Basel was built on the Rhine for several strategic reasons: 1) The Rhine provided fresh water, fish, fertile land for agriculture, and a means of transportation for goods. 2) The location on the Rhine allowed for defense against invaders. 3) Basel has historically used the Rhine for industry, power, and transportation with the first bridge built in the 13th century and harbor developing trade.

1. Why was Basel built on the Rhine?

2. Why was Basel built on the Rhine?
Dry point
Defence
Resources
Fresh water and fish
Fertile flood plain
Transport
Basel was first settled in the 3rd Century BC.

3. Why was Basel
built on the
Rhine?
Mittlere Brucke is the
oldest existing bridge site
across the Rhine,
between Lake
Constance and the North
Sea.
The original bridge was
completed around 1224.

4. Why was Basel
built on the
Rhine?
The water from the Rhine
was essential for the
development of Basel’s
industry.
This photo shows Klybeck
in 1929.

5. The Rhine port has
allowed goods to be
transported to and from
Basel
This photo shows the
Rheinhafen (Rhein
harbour) around 1900.
Why was Basel
built on the
Rhine?

6. The Rhine has provided
power for Basel.
The Birsfelden Kraftwerk
became operational in
1954
Why was Basel
built on the
Rhine?

7. The people of Basel have
always enjoyed the Rhine.
The first bathing house
was the Pfalzbadhüsli, it
opened in 1831. The
Frauenbad was opened
16yrs later.
This photo is from 1918.
Why was Basel
built on the
Rhine?