2,000-year-old Roman Military Camp Found High in the Swiss Alps

Ancient Roman military camp discovered in Swiss Alps via @https://twitter.com/Archaeology_Mag https://t.co/nn6DB5QNZL

— Alexa Russell (@AlexaHawaii) September 6, 2024

Around the year 15 BCE, the Roman army was conquering its way through Europe and fought the Suanetes tribe of what is now eastern Switzerland. Students from the University of Basel have been studying the battlefield near the Crap Ses Gorge since 2021. Last fall, they found something intriguing on the mountain above. They discovered the outlines of a Roman camp, perched high above the battlefield at around 7,000 feet in altitude. Using LiDAR technology, they have been able to locate an unearth its boundaries.

The encampment is bordered by three substantial ditches and a wall. From this high vantage point, the Romans could keep an eye on four important valleys, plus a well-traveled road. Talk about taking the high ground! Artifacts that have been found include Roman weapons and equipment, plus lead slingshot bullets stamped as belonging to the 3rd Legion. It must have been in use for quite some time.  -via Damn Interesting