Roman Ruins and Rare Artefacts Unearthed in Augusta Raurica, Switzerland!
A major archaeological dig in Kaiseraugst, Switzerland, has revealed some remarkable Roman-era discoveries beneath what will soon be a modern housing development. The excavation, carried out between May 2024 and March 2025 by the Aargau Cantonal Archaeology Department, has uncovered incredibly well-preserved Roman structures and rare artefacts in what was once the lower town of Augusta Raurica, one of the most important Roman settlements north of the Alps.
Photo Credit: Canton of Aargau
Founded in the mid-1st century BCE, Augusta Raurica flourished as a bustling trade and administrative hub during the Roman Empire. It was located near the territory of the Rauraci, a Gallic tribe, and reached its peak in the 2nd century CE. At its height, the city boasted grand public buildings, temples, baths, and the largest Roman theatre north of the Alps.
The recent excavation took place in the Schürmatt area of Kaiseraugst, ahead of plans to construct two residential buildings with shared underground parking. Aware of the site's historical importance, authorities began geophysical surveys as early as 2019, followed by trial digs in 2021 and 2023. This groundwork led to a full-scale excavation covering roughly 1,800 square metres.
Photo Credit: Canton of Aargau
For the first time, the Aargau team recorded the entire site digitally. According to the department’s press release, “All features were digitally drawn on site and all data were directly loaded into a database,” a process they described as “extremely precise and efficient”, and one they hope sets a new standard for archaeological work across Switzerland.
Among the most fascinating finds was a Roman road, around 3.5 metres wide, which had been resurfaced several times over the years. Lined with drainage ditches and columned porticoes, the road was flanked by strip houses, narrow buildings with rear courtyards. Some homes were constructed from stone and even had surviving cellars, while others were more modest timber structures.
In the courtyards behind these buildings, archaeologists found dry stone pits and shafts whose purposes remain unclear. But most striking were the infant graves discovered within the buildings and courtyards. These small burials reflect Roman customs of placing infants close to the home rather than in public cemeteries. “These graves offer insight into the high infant mortality rate of the time,” noted the Canton of Aargau.
Photo Credit: Canton of Aargau
The area appears to have been continuously occupied from the end of the 1st century CE through to the 3rd century CE, with signs of later activity into late antiquity. Evidence for this comes in the form of coins and scattered finds dating from the later Roman period.
Among the artefacts discovered were some truly rare pieces: a bronze panther figurine, a votive object carved from tuff stone, and a beautifully coloured glass spindle whorl used in textile production. These items provide a window into both the everyday lives and spiritual practices of the people who lived in Augusta Raurica.
In a commendable collaboration between developers and archaeologists, the building plans were adjusted to preserve some of the Roman graves uncovered during the excavation. It’s a strong example of how heritage conservation and modern development can go hand in hand.
Located about 80 kilometres north of Zurich, Kaiseraugst remains one of the most important archaeological sites in Switzerland, offering new insights into the Roman world with every layer uncovered.