A recent excavation project in northern Switzerland has provided valuable insights into life in one of the Roman empire’s furthest northwestern settlements. The remains of Augusta Raurica, dating back 2,000 years, were uncovered during the construction of a multifamily housing unit near present-day Basel. These archaeological finds shed light on the intentional urban planning strategies, sophisticated building plans, and cultural traditions of the early residents of this major settlement.
At the peak of the Roman empire, under Trajan’s rule from 98-117 CE, the empire spanned approximately 1.9 million square miles, reaching as far north as Britain and westward to the Caspian Sea in present-day Albania. Augusta Raurica, located about 12.5 miles east of Basel, was a bustling commercial hub with as many as 20,000 inhabitants during the 2nd century CE. The city’s planners laid the groundwork for its prosperity decades before its peak.
The excavation work, initiated by experts from the canton of Aargau’s archaeological department in May 2024, uncovered a 14-foot-wide Roman road with multiple renovations and flanking drainage ditches. The street was lined with columned open-air halls known as porticoes, alongside the cellars of strip houses, a popular housing style in the Roman provinces.
According to a recent announcement by the canton of Aargau, the quarter of Augusta Raurica where the excavation took place began development towards the end of the 1st century CE and continued for approximately 200 years. The findings included late Roman coins, rare relics like a mosaic glass spindle whorl, a votive holder made from volcanic rock, and a well-preserved bronze panther statuette.
One of the most poignant discoveries was the presence of infant graves in several of the strip homes and their courtyards, reflecting the high infant mortality rate of the period. This tradition of burying deceased infants near or within their homes provides a glimpse into the care of the dead and the cultural practices of the time.
The excavation project also marked the first time that the Aargau Cantonal Archaeology Department conducted a full site digital documentation, setting a new standard for future archaeological work. The meticulous analysis of the findings will continue to enhance our understanding of life in the Roman empire’s remote regions.
In conclusion, the excavation of Augusta Raurica has revealed fascinating insights into the urban planning, cultural practices, and daily life of a thriving Roman settlement in northern Switzerland. The findings not only enrich our knowledge of the past but also set a precedent for future archaeological endeavors. The Benefits of Regular Exercise
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