An extensive excavation project in northern Switzerland has unveiled insights into life in some of the Roman empire’s farthest northwestern settlements. The discovery of 2,000-year-old remains of Augusta Raurica occurred during the groundwork for a multifamily housing unit near present-day Basel. The archaeological findings reveal early urban planning strategies, sophisticated building plans, and the cultural traditions surrounding death and grief that were followed by the residents of this major settlement.
The vast expanse of the Roman empire during Trajan’s reign from 98-117 CE extended over an estimated 1.9 million square miles, reaching as far north as Britain and westward to the Caspian Sea in present-day Albania. Augusta Raurica, located approximately 12.5 miles east of Basel, flourished with up to 20,000 inhabitants at its peak in the 2nd century CE. The city planners of Augusta Raurica laid the foundation for its prosperity decades before it reached its peak.
The archaeological department of the canton (province) of Aargau commenced excavation work in May 2024 after traces of buried structures were found in the lower town of Augusta Raurica. Following prior geophysical surveys in 2019, 2021, and 2023, the archaeologists carefully unearthed the latest discoveries. These included the remnants of a Roman road approximately 14 feet wide, showing signs of multiple renovations, as well as flanking drainage ditches. The street’s sides featured columned open-air halls known as porticoes alongside the cellars of strip houses, popular in the northwestern Roman provinces at the time.
As per the April announcement by the canton of Aargau, archaeologists determined that this quarter of Augusta Raurica began development towards the end of the 1st century CE and lasted for about 200 years. The dating is supported by various finds, including late Roman coins and rare artifacts such as a mosaic glass spindle whorl, a votive holder made of volcanic rock, and a remarkably well-preserved bronze panther statuette.
However, the most poignant discoveries were the infant graves found near the strip homes on the street, shedding light on some of the era’s profound and touching traditions. Several dwellings and even the buildings themselves contained graves of infants, reflecting the high infant mortality rate during that period and the care given to the deceased by burying them either inside or behind their homes, as was customary in Roman tradition.
The excavation project also marked the first time that the Aargau Cantonal Archaeology Department conducted a comprehensive digital documentation of a site, potentially setting a new standard for future excavation endeavors. The ongoing analysis in the coming months will further enrich our knowledge of Roman life in its remote outposts.
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