Basel is the capital of the canton of Basel-Stadt. After the Rauricans, Helvetians and Romans, the Alamanni settled in Basel. At times, Basel was part of the Holy Roman Empire. In 1501 Basel joined the Swiss Confederation. Until 1529 Basel was a bishopric. The university was founded in 1460. Basel is an important location for the pharmaceutical industry. The Basel city hall was built in the 16th century. The tower was added 1898 to 1904.