Archaeology of Germania Superior

This chapter begins with an overview of the preconditions encountered by the Romans in the area that was to become the province of Germania Superior, before discussing research on different types of civilian towns in the hinterland. The origin of the vici that existed during the High Empire is considered, along with the left and right banks of the Rhine. The chapter then examines the network of settlements that emerged during the High Empire, both in the region of the limes and on the left bank of the Rhine. It also looks at the establishment of the capitals of civitates, the transformation of military vici to civilian vici in urban settlements, the rise of industrial sites and settlements with special functions, the appearance of civitas capitals and vici, and the construction of public buildings. Finally, it describes some examples of urban settlements in Germania Superior.