fwo_483497 - SWITZERLAND - CITY OF BASEL Pfennig n.d. Bâle

SWITZERLAND - CITY OF BASEL

Basel, an ancient Roman fortress, is mentioned for the first time in 374 under the name of "Basilia". In the 7th century, the city was raised to the rank of bishopric, then in 912, it was integrated into the kingdom of Burgundy before passing in 1032 under the authority of the Holy Empire. Basel opposed the Habsburgs and in 1501 joined the Confederation. The Reformation was introduced there in 1529 and the bishop was forced to flee; several towns of the former bishopric of Basel remained under Catholic rule.