Carroll, M. (2026). "House in Insula 1 and 2 in Augusta Raurica." Gardens of the Roman Empire, accessed October 2, 2026. https://roman-gardens.github.io/id/60772b090d/

House in Insula 1 and 2 in Augusta Raurica

Published: 2026-10-01
Last modified: 2026-10-02

Dates

150 CE to ca. 170 CE

Garden Description

This house in Insula 1 and 2 in Augusta Raurica, built on sloping terrain on the northern edge of the city around CE 150, was enlarged twenty years later to incorporate at least two certain gardens (Fig. 1). It bordered north and south on streets and was flanked on the east and west by other houses. In this last phase after ca. 170 CE, the house covered an area of about 2000 square meters. In the center of the building was an irregular peristyle courtyard, at the north end of which was a private bath complex.

East of the house was a long rectangular area open to the sky and divided into plots by a wall. In the northernmost plot a layer of humic soil 20-40 centimeters thick was excavated that the excavators interpret as evidence for a garden (G on plan).

The northern part of the house facing the street included an open terrace which may have been built up on demolished walls of the earlier house. Humus-rich soil in the terrace area may indicate that it was planted (G in Fig. 1). Immediately south of the terrace was a portico that offered a splendid view of the valley.

Plans

Fig. 1: Augusta Raurica., House in insula 1 and 2.
Credit: Adapted from Hufschidt.

Bibliography

  • P.-A. Schwarz, „Die Nordmauer und die Überreste der Innenbebauung der spätrömischen Befestigung auf Kastelen in Augusta Rauricorum. Vorbericht über die Grabung 1991.51," Jahresberichte aus Augst und Kaiseraugst 13, 1992: 47-76. (worldcat)
  • T. Hufschmid, Kastelen 3. Die jüngeren Steinbauten in den Insulae 1 und 2 von Augusta Raurica. Forschungen in Augst 23, Augst, 1996. (worldcat)

Keywords

Places