Augusta Raurica is a largest Roman archaeological site in Switzerland. It is located about 20 km east of Basel near the village of Kaiseraugst . It is an oldest known Roman colony on the Rhine.

Augusta Raurica was founded about 44 BCE in the area of a local Gallic tribe, Raurici . During the first two centuries AD it was a prosperous place and in its glory days was a capital of a local Roman province. It might have housed about twenty thousand people. Alemanni tribes destroyed the city around 260 AD.

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 large theatre with 10.000 seats.

The place is a popular tourist destination and includes a museum.

External sites

• Augusta Raurica site