Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Roman military camp at the top of a mountain range in the Swiss Alps, between eastern Switzerland and northern Italy. Live Science reported.
A “volunteer detectorist” discovered the site, which is located at around 7,200 feet above sea level and overlooks a Roman battlefield, in 2023. Experts from the canton of Grisons believe the site dates back to the 1st century BC. Researchers had previously identified the site as the first known Roman battlefield in Switzerland, but the camp itself remained undiscovered until recently. The site was the site of a battle between Roman forces and the Suanetes tribe, with the former attempting to seize all available land.
Scientists at the University of Basel in Switzerland used Light Detection and Ranging lasers to create 3D models of the site, which revealed that the camp was fortified with three moats and a defensive wall, also known as a rampart. The archaeologists described the “sensational discovery” as being in a “strategically advantageous position” when it came to conflict.
Also found at the site were numerous artifacts from the so-called “Roman Switzerland,” including shoe nails, arrowheads, and weapons, as well as military equipment and supplies. Among the finds were slings embossed with the branding of the Third Legion of the Roman army, an Imperial Roman army known to have fought on the battlefield below.
“The sensational discovery of a Roman military camp in Graubünden underlines once again that archaeological research in 'Roman Switzerland' continues to produce wonderful surprises,” the researchers said in a statement.
Andrea Badrutt / Canton of Grisons
Andrea Badrutt / Canton of Grisons