Augusta Raurica
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Categories: Archaeological sites in Switzerland | Swiss building and structure stubs | 40s BC establishments | Roman colonies | Roman towns and cities in Switzerland | Visitor attractions in Switzerland | Monuments and memorials in Switzerland
|
Image:Theater Kaiseraugst.jpg
Roman theater in Augusta Raurica.
Augusta Raurica is a large Roman archaeological site and an open-air museum in Switzerland. Located about 20 km east of Basel near the villages of Augst and Kaiseraugst, it is the oldest known Roman colony on the Rhine. Augusta Raurica was founded around 44 BCE in the area of a local Gallic tribe, the Rauraci, relatives of the Helvetii. During the first two centuries CE it was a prosperous place and in its glory days the capital of a local Roman province. It might have been populated by twenty thousand people. Alemanni tribes destroyed the city around 260 CE. During the Middle Ages, many of the stones of the site were recycled for new construction. Archaeological excavations have unearthed temples, taverns, public buildings, a forum, a baths complex and the largest Roman theater north of the Alps with 10.000 seats. The Roman Museum houses the most important finds from the Roman city and communicates its history. In addition to the museum, the complex features additional exhibition areas and more than twenty sights. The most significant exhibit is the silver treasure of Kaiseraugst. The place is a popular tourist destination. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to:
|
