Basel

Basel (English traditionally: Basle {{IPA|}}, German: Basel {{IPA|}}, French Bâle {{IPA|}}, Italian Basilea {{IPA|}}) is Switzerland's third most populous city (188,000 inhabitants in the canton of Basel-City as of 2004; the 690,000 inhabitants in the conurbation stretching across the immediate cantonal and national boundaries made Basel Switzerland's second-largest urban area as of 2003).

History and science

Basel traces its history back to at least the days of the Roman empire settlement of Augusta Raurica though even older Celtic settlements have been discovered recently predating the roman castle. The city's position on the Rhine long emphasised its importance: Basel for many centuries possessed the only bridge over the river "between Lake Constance and the sea".

Related Topics:
Roman empire - Augusta Raurica - Rhine - Lake Constance

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1019 the construction of the cathedral of Basel began under german Emperor Henrich II.

Related Topics:
1019 - Henrich II

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1225-1226 the Bridge over the Rhine was constructed by Bishop Heinrich von Thun and lesser Basel (Kleinbasel) founded as a beachhead to protect the bridge.

Related Topics:
1225 - 1226

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1356 an earthquake caused extensive damage in the city destroying a vast number of castles in the vicinity, allowing the city to offer courts in the city to nobles as an alternative to rebuilding their castles in exchange for their protection of the city.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Basel became the focal point of western Christendom during the 15th-century Council of Basel (1431-1449), including the 1439 election of antipope Felix V.

Related Topics:
Council of Basel - 1431 - 1449 - 1439 - Felix V

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1459 Pope Pius II endowed the University of Basel where notables like Erasmus of Rotterdam, Paracelsus and Hans Holbein the younger teached. At the same time printing was introduced in Basel by apprentices of Gutenberg. The Schwabe publishing house was founded 1488 by Johannes Petri and is the oldest publishing house still in business. Johann Froben also operated his printing house in Basel and was notable for publishing works by Erasmus.

Related Topics:
1459 - Pius II - Erasmus - Gutenberg - Johann Froben

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1500 the construction of the cathedral of Basel (german: Münster) was finished.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1501 Basel separated from Germany and joined the Helvetic Confederation as 11th state, and began of the construction of the city council building.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1543 De Humanis Corporis Fabrica, the first anatomy book was published and printed in Basel by Andreas Vesalius (1514 - 1564).

Related Topics:
1543 - De Humanis Corporis Fabrica - Andreas Vesalius - 1514 - 1564

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Basel traditionally was the seat of the Bishop of Basel until during reformation under Oecolampadius Basel in 1529. The bishop's mitre was however retained as the city's coat of arms.

Related Topics:
Bishop of Basel - Oecolampadius - 1529 - Coat of arms

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 1662 the Amerbaschsches Kabinett formed the basis of the world's first public art collection and exposition, forming the core of the museum of art of Basel.

Related Topics:
1662 - Amerbaschsches Kabinett

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~