The buildings that have already been excavated cover an area of 30,000 square metres: The city wall, residential buildings in the suburbs, main streets with the forum, the Macellum, the thermal baths and much more have been found. Nevertheless, this is only a fraction of the historical Aguntum. The city must have been around ten times as large.
The city wall of Aguntum, which was up to 7 metres high, was discovered as early as 1912, but it was not clear from the outset which side of the wall the city was on. Excavations in the 1960s confirmed this: The city lies to the west, the suburb to the east of the wall.
The fragments of buildings that could still be seen on the surface in the 6th century looked like small windows, low vaults and entrances. The people of the Middle Ages therefore thought that very small people had lived here. In fact, however, these are the remains of the underfloor heating systems that existed in every house.
Although much is known about Roman life in Aguntum, some excavations continue to raise questions. For example, experts long assumed that a certain building in the area of the forum was a water basin. However, the 2022 excavations show that it may be something completely different. What is still unclear. An oval wall in the northern part of the thermal baths is just as mysterious. It was also examined more closely in 2022 - the archaeologists have yet to find out what is behind it. One thing is certain: it remains exciting!
As an important transport hub between northern Italy and the north, Aguntum was a centre of trade. Gold, iron and iron tools, cheese and dairy products, honey and wood were sold. Rock crystal was sold as far away as North Africa. In return, purple snails, pottery, fish, salt, grain, sultanas and much more came to the town.
Only the finest things were sold in the macellum, a circular building on the forum: The rich inhabitants of the city had fish, oysters and other delicacies delivered from far and wide. The seafood was transported alive in amphorae filled with salt water.
The excavations in Aguntum revealed that the Romans cooked on an open fire, as can be seen in the reconstructed kitchen. Recipes have also been preserved. Fish sauce was a particular favourite. It was even used to prepare desserts such as peach wedges.
Romans did not originally wear trousers with the toga, but woollen legwear was common among the local population. It was only later that Roman legionaries adopted the custom of wearing trousers in cold regions.
The thermal baths in Aguntum were excavated in the 1970s. The oil bowl with the strigilis was also found there. People rubbed themselves with the oil and the strigilis was used to scrape off the dirt afterwards. The glass vial was used to store ointments or perfume, which were applied with the spatula.
The 18 metre high Aguntum observation tower offers a view over the entire site and archaeologists can show you how excavations are carried out. Which layers are interesting, what can be extracted and how are they uncovered? Afterwards, you can follow in the footsteps of the ancient Romans on the specially created circular trail from Aguntum to Dölsach to Iselberg and back again.
