As the Romans spread over Europe, they established satellite capitals for ruling their distant colonies. Augusta Treverorum (Trier) was founded under Augustus in 16 B.C. It eventually became known as Roma Secunda -- the second Rome. For nearly 5 centuries, well into the Christian era, Trier remained one of Europe's political, cultural, and ecclesiastical power centers. But this city, Germany's oldest, actually dates back much farther. In 2000 B.C., according to legend, the Assyrians established a colony here, and archaeological findings indicate a pre-Roman Celtic civilization. The buildings and monuments still standing today, however, date from Roman and later periods. Trier is an important gateway, lying only 10km (6 miles) from Luxembourg on the western frontier of Germany, where the Ruwer and Saar rivers meet the Mosel. The city is rich not only in art and tradition, but also, because of its location, in wine -- it's one of Germany's largest exporters.