In Roman times, the name of the city of Zurich was …

The Romans called Zurich Turicum. The name «Zürich» later developed from this name.

Common mistakes

A: Vitudurum

Vitudurum is the Roman name of Winterthur.

B: Vindonissa

Vindonissa is the Roman name of Windisch in Aargau.

C: Aquae Helveticae

Aquae Helveticae is the Roman name of Baden in Aargau.

Pile dwellings and Turicum

People already lived on Lake Zurich more than 6000 years ago. From about 5000 to 1000 BC they built pile dwellings. These are houses on wooden posts, called piles, on the shores of lakes and rivers. This protected people from floods and animals. Remains of these houses still lie in the water today. They are part of the UNESCO World Heritage.

Canton and municipality of Zurich · Zurich: history

Sources

• zh.ch
• hls-dhs-dss.ch

Official question of the Canton of Zurich (Gemeindeamt, May 2025). Translation and explanation: Swiss Passport.