A nearly yearlong excavation project in northern Switzerland is offering a glimpse into life in some of the Roman empire’s furthest northwestern settlements. These 2,000-year-old remains of Augusta Raurica were uncovered before construction began on a multifamily housing unit near present-day Basel. Located about 12.5 miles east of Basel, Augusta Raurica eventually saw as many as 20,000 inhabitants at the commercial hub’s apex during the 2nd century CE. The approximately 19,000 square foot excavation area was largely protected by a large tent, allowing excavation work to continue even in winter. According to the canton of Aargau’s April announcement, archeologists concluded this quarter of Augusta Raurica began development towards the end of the 1st century CE and lasted around 200 years.