Centum Prata

Centum Prata, a significant Roman vicus, is located on the eastern shore of Lake Zürich in Switzerland. Established around 40 CE, it served as a key commercial center due to its strategic position at the crossroads of major Roman roads and waterways. The site features a variety of structures, including domestic houses, courtyards, a forum, religious temples, and a harbor, illustrating its multifaceted role as a hub of residential, commercial, and religious activity. Notable developments include the construction of a wooden bridge under Emperor Marcus Aurelius and the erection of stone buildings following a fire in the 2nd century CE. Despite the Roman military withdrawal around 400 CE, Centum Prata continued as a populated site, marking its transition through multiple cultural phases.