Excavations at the Roman settlement of Augusta Raurica in northern Switzerland revealed evidence of a roadway, burial sites, and unusual artifacts—all dating back nearly 2,000 years.
What Is Augusta Raurica?
Augusta Raurica is the oldest known Roman colony along the Rhine River and one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the region. Today, it is a Roman archaeological site and open-air museum in the modern-day municipality of Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, near the German border. In late antiquity, it was an important trading hub and administrative center in the Roman Empire. At its peak in the 2nd century CE, the city boasted monumental structures including temples, public baths, and the largest Roman theater north of the Alps.
Archaeologists Find Roman Road, Homes, and Burials
The latest excavation at Augusta Raurica began in May 2024 ahead of a planned construction project in the area. Archaeologists unearthed the remains of an ancient Roman road in the city. It was approximately 12 feet wide and had been resurfaced multiple times during its use. The road was flanked by drainage ditches and covered walkways called porticoes. Alongside the road, locals lived in narrow buildings known as strip houses, each with its own rear courtyard. Some of these homes were stone-built with their cellars still mostly intact, and others were simpler wooden post-built structures.
Inside these homes and their courtyards, archaeologists identified several infant burial sites. In ancient Rome, infants were often buried within or near domestic spaces rather than in public cemeteries. The small graves scattered throughout Augusta Raurica reflect the cultural norms and high infant mortality rate of the era. The area’s upcoming construction plans have been modified to preserve these and other Roman burial sites nearby.
Augusta Raurica’s Rare Roman Artifacts
The quarter of Augusta Raurica being excavated was developed from the end of the 1st century CE to the 3rd century CE. Its active use in late antiquity is evidenced by the discovery of several coins and other Late Roman Period artifacts. Among the most interesting and unusual artifacts found at the site are a small bronze panther figurine, a colorful mosaic glass spindle whorl, and a votive holder made of tuff stone. Such artifacts offer a rare look at the daily lives, religious activities, and aesthetic tastes of Augusta Raurica’s ancient inhabitants.
