Backroads Europe
The Via Julia in Germany
S1 • E4 Apr 22, 2015 45m
As part of the route from Lutetia (Paris) to Constantinople, today's Istanbul, the Via Julia, which has only borne its name since the 19th century, was the main connection between the provinces of Raetia and Noricum. At its western end, at the gates of Günzburg, is the largest previously uncovered Roman burial ground north of the Alps. With a total of more than 1,840 graves, it is the second largest in Germany. The 1,430 grave inventories attest to the importance and prosperity of ancient Guntia. Augsburg is located on the Via Julia between the Alpine rivers Lech and Wertach. Augusta Vindelicum, capital of the newly founded Roman province of Raetia, grew out of the military camp in the year 1 AD. The Roman emperor Augustus is considered to be the founder of Augsburg. His bronze figure on the pillar of the Augustus Fountain in the heart of the city is evidence of this.