Municipium Baelo Claudia (Bolonia)

This city was founded against the end of the 2nd century BC. It was divided into regular insulae (living spaces). However, the surface of the city was not rectangular. The upper part had nearly the form of a triangle.

In this city existed a sea connection to Africa. Perhaps the city was even an administrative center.

The most important industry was the manufacturing of garum (fish sauce). Through that the city achieved some importance. Under the government of Tiberius Claudius Nero Germanicus (41 -54 AD) it was raised therefore into the rank of a municipium.

The economic decline began in the later half of the 2nd century AD. Perhaps an earthquake was the reason. In the 3rd century there was a short recovery. After that the definitive decline occurred little by little.

In the 7th century the city was left completely.

The city had approximately 2'000 residents. It existed the most important roman buildings: Theater, forum, temple, thermal springs, city wall and houses.

The whole city ground and a part of the ground before it is nearly undeveloped today. Among to the ground before the city (with the garum factories) the lower city is dig up. Here were particularly public buildings (theater, forum, temple, thermal springs) and tabernae (shops).

The excavation place is opened as follows (year 2004):

[Top]