Augusta Praetoria

an ancient Roman city in northwestern Italy (present-day Aosta). Founded in 24 B.C. The city, located at the confluence of two rivers and the outlet of alpine passes, was of great commercial and strategic significance. The layout of Augusta Praetoria followed the layout of the Roman camp on whose site it was built. It was protected by city walls (721 x 657 m) up to 7.3 m high, with southern and eastern gates. The main street divided the city, which consisted of 16 blocks, into two equal parts. Remains of an amphitheater arcade, part of the market square (surrounded on three sides by the premises of stores and warehouses, with a temple in the center), thermae, and a triumphal arch built to honor the Roman emperor Augustus have survived.