The Roman town Augusta Raurica

17 January 2021

Augusta Raurica (Augst, canton Basel-Landschaft) was situated at the crossroads of trade and transport routes. The Roman colony was founded  44 BC, one of the earliest colonies on the left bank of the Rhine.

The city developed into a regional centre of trade, industry and administration and counted around 10 000-15 000 inhabitants. The decline of the city started in the third century.

The Roman House (Domus Romana) was reconstructed in 1957.  The villa is an example of the provincial type, smaller than in Rome or Italy, but with the features of the residence of the local elite.

The museum presents a complete picture of this provincial Roman town. (Source and further information: www.augusta-raurica.ch).