Switzerland on the Tabula Peutingeriana

10 October 2026

The Peutinger Map (Tabula Peutingeriana) is a copy of a Roman road map showing the most important roads and towns of the Roman Empire – in a sense, an ancient version of a digital map. The original was engraved on the Arch of Agrippa (Porticus Vipsania or Porticus Agrippae)  in Rome around 12 BC. Emperor … Read more » “Switzerland on the Tabula Peutingeriana”

Augusta Raurica Museum

22 June 2026

Before the conquest by Roman armies, the Celtic tribe of the Rauraci (also known as the Rauraken) inhabited the area. On the Münsterhügel of present-day Basel, a small settlement, the oppidum Basilia, existed around 30 BC. The Colonia Augusta Raurica was founded in 44 BC but remained small until the Roman conquest in 15-13 BC. … Read more » “Augusta Raurica Museum”

Petinesca, Celts and the Romans Tempels on Gumpboden

11 June 2026

Studen (Canton of Bern) lies at the foot of the Jäissberg, in the heart of the Berner Seeland. From the 2nd century BC to the 3rd century AD, Petinesca was the centre of the region. Initially a Celtic settlement, it became a Roman village (vicus) from 13 BC onwards. Thanks to the River Aare, the … Read more » “Petinesca, Celts and the Romans Tempels on Gumpboden”

The Castrum Rauracense in Kaiseraugst and the Bürkli

17 May 2026

It is hard to imagine today, but the villages of Augst (Canton Basel-Landschaft) and Kaiseraugst (Canton Aargau) formed the largest conglomerate in present-day Switzerland during Roman times.  At the time, the two other major cities were Aventicum (Avenches) and Colonia Iulia Equestris (Nyon) in the present-day canton of Vaud. Augst and Kaiseraugst formed the Roman … Read more » “The Castrum Rauracense in Kaiseraugst and the Bürkli”

The Roman bridges of Augusta Raurica

27 January 2024

From 80 AD, parts of the area on the right bank of the Rhine also came under the control of the Roman Empire. The road network played a decisive role in controlling and administering the empire, as well as military transport and trade. There was also an extensive and well-functioning postal network. About 80,000 kilometres … Read more » “The Roman bridges of Augusta Raurica”

The Amphitheatre and (Roman) History of Martigny

26 January 2024

During the reign of Emperor Claudius (41-54 AD), Martigny, a small village of the Celtic tribe of the Veragres, was turned into a Roman city. When he became emperor, he conquered Britain. He made the most direct route to Britain accessible, the Great St Bernard Pass, and reorganised the Valais. The capital was a newly founded … Read more » “The Amphitheatre and (Roman) History of Martigny”

Roman Roads and Bridges in Switzerland

30 January 2023

Roman road and bridge builders were skilled and versatile. Their construction of roads and bridges was well thought out and optimally adapted to local conditions. Their technical capabilities and surveying skills remain impressive today. Many modern European bridges and roads are in worse condition after only 80 years! Whenever possible, roads were built in a … Read more » “Roman Roads and Bridges in Switzerland”

The Ancient Via Romana is a Road without Borders.

11 December 2022

The approximately 400-kilometre road follows the course of the old Via Romana, which connected the Roman legionnaire’s camp Vindonissa (Windisch, canton Aargau, Switzerland) with the settlement Grinario (Köngen, near Stuttgart, Germany). This road is also shown on the Tabula Peutingeriana, an ancient Roman road map. The original map is lost, but a medieval copy shows … Read more » “The Ancient Via Romana is a Road without Borders.”

Two Ivory Dolls and Romanisation

29 November 2022

Underneath a Roman necropolis with 311 graves in Yverdon-les-Bains (Eburodunum in Roman times), excavations revealed numerous remains, including earthen and wooden buildings. Two tiny ivory dolls were also found. They are related to the first models that appeared in Rome. The hairstyle imitates the models in vogue at the imperial court in Rome. Without a … Read more » “Two Ivory Dolls and Romanisation”

Coptic Textile in Chur

21 July 2022

Available in German and Dutch.