Basel
Historical Background

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Archaeologists believe that the Celts were the first people to settle the area now known as Basel, in the pre-Christian era. The Roman city of Augusta Raurica, situated nearby was, however, the first that was historically significant. A military fortress on what is today known as the Münsterhügel (Münster hill) was built by the Romans, thus taking advantage of its strategically beneficial position above the River Rhine. Their rivals often attempted to take over their position here. Indeed, it was temporarily conquered by the Alemans.

The name Basilia (King’s Castle), was first mentioned in documentation in 374, and when the area converted to Christianity, soon afterwards Basel became an important seat for bishops.

Between 917-918 the Hungarians attacked the city. Consequently it became a part of Burgundy until 1025, when Basel was incorporated into the German Empire. Slowly but surely, the town became increasingly important as a trading city, especially after the Rhein Bridge was built in 1226.

The 14th century is a dark chapter in municipal history. Plague ravished the city, and those infected were covered in festering boils. The Jews were blamed for the disaster and much of their community was locked in a large wooden house, which was subsequently set alight. In 1356 an earthquake raged through the city and ensuing fires destroyed many buildings.

In 1444, there was significant and successful opposition to Basel becoming part of the territory administered by the Dauphin of France. The University of Basel was founded shortly afterwards and it did much to contribute to Basel’s position as a place in which the nascent printing trade and humanism flourished. Individuals, such as Erasmus of Rotterdam lived and worked during this epoch.

In 1523, Johann Oekolampad acquainted the city with the ideals of the Reformation. This was soon accepted and the conversion from Catholicism reached its climax during the so-called ‘Bildersturm’. Many precious works of art were vandalized but at the same time, the city began to attract protestants from France and the Netherlands, who were no longer welcome in their countries of birth. Their most important contribution to the nature of the city was the introduction of silk-weaving and fabric dying industries, both of which led to a renewed interest in trade.

Peter Ochs brought his revolutionary opinions with him in 1798 and although these were short lived, they served to ignite the discontent that many felt. What followed was violent unrest as city and country dwellers tried to outwit each other. By 1833, the Canton of Basel-Stadt and Baselland were created and this division has remained to the present day. Basel-Stadt (The city canton) became a small state in itself and faced many financial difficulties as a result of the separation.

As was the case throughout Europe, the 19th century changed Basel irreversibly. In 1844, the first train line to and from the city was inaugurated and the old city-walls were torn down for good so that new areas could claim to be part of Basel.

During the course of the 20th century, many chemical and pharmaceutical industries flourished in Basel and their influence can still be felt today—they are important aspects of the city’s economy. Further, Basel has become an important exhibition city—one need only mention the ‘ART’ Fair, the world’s largest and most important art exhibition. The city’s affinity with art is also reflected in the 100 plus galleries that are at home here.

Basel’s geographic location often results in the city being underestimated, yet its population now numbers 1 million (if you include the suburbs). It is a tantalizing mix of the old and the new and architecturally, its medieval city center and modern architecture elsewhere complement each other perfectly. The city’s former reputation as a breeding ground for humanism has also been maintained, a reality proven by the numerous museums of international standing that are situated here.