The Aosta valley was conquered in the year 25 BC by A. Terentius Varro Murena. The native tribe of the Salasser was sold mainly into the slavery.

The Colonia Augusta Praetoria was set up to protect the route to the small St. Bernhard (Alpis Graia). 3'000 veterans of the praetorian guard were settled here. After the conquest of the Big St. Bernhard the importance of this city certainly increased.

The city was put on chessboard-like. It had 64 insulae (quarters) and had the form of a square. The city wall had a gate on all four sides.

The forum occupied 8 insulae, the amphitheater required 2 insulae. The other buildings do not seem to have used more than one insula.

There were also a theater and thermal springs. Where the temples stood is not known to me.

Today still some remains of the roman time are to see. In particular the city wall, which was further on used in the Middle Ages is in big parts still preserved. Some towers are at least original roman. One is obviously only roman. A city gate, the so-called Porta Praetoria, is still preserved. Before that is a triumphal arch. Also a bridge across a river that runs now at other place is still preserved.

The rests of the theater and the forum are to see too. The rests of the amphitheater are obviously not accessible. A farm at the slope above the city is conserved. The shelter is however not accessible (at least no opening hours are posted) and has now windows.

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