Noviodunum V

The forum of the oldest colony on Swiss territory, Colonia Iulia Equestris (Nyon, Canton Vaud), has been the subject of numerous one-off and large-scale archaeological investigations since 1974, when its two successive basilicas were discovered. These discoveries have identified this sector of the old town as the political and religious heart of the Roman city.

This book retraces the history of research, outlines the stratigraphy of the public forum area, in particular the evolution of the basilica and its surroundings, establishes a precise and reliable chronology based on the archaeological material of the various occupations that succeeded one another in this part of the city, and proposes an interpretative synthesis and research directions. The evolution of the urban fabric is also established.

This work is complemented by a number of specialized studies: a new reading of the so-called “Artemis” mosaic, located in the north gallery of the forum, highlights the rare, even unique character of this pavement among mosaics with figurative decoration found north of the Alps; presentations of the mural paintings associated with the first basilica, as well as descriptions of the architectural blocks uncovered during excavations in this sector of the public area of the colony’s forum, also provide interesting elements for understanding the site.

This book should pave the way for future studies on other aspects of the monuments and site of Colonia Iulia Equestris.