Page 56 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Switzerland

DISCOVER A Brief History

A BRIEF 1

HISTORY

Thanks to its strategic location, Switzerland has been highly sought for
centuries. In 1291, the Swiss Confederation was created to stave off foreign
rule. The alliance expanded until modern Switzerland was born in 1848.
Although its international neutrality has kept it out of many major events,
this small country remains one of the continent’s powerhouses.

The Crossroads of Europe 1 A 17th-century map
As early as 500 BC, the lands that now comprise Switzerland showing Basel.
were settled by two tribes, the Celtic Helvetii and the Etruscan 2 The 1315 Battle
Rhaetians. By 58 BC, the region was incorporated into the of Morgarten against
Roman Empire and peace and prosperity reigned: agriculture the Habsburgs.
flourished, towns grew and new roads encouraged trade. From 3 A statue depicting
the 5th to the 13th centuries, different factions fought over the folk hero William Tell.
territory until it was swallowed into the Holy Roman Empire in 4 Destruction of icons
the 800s; it continued to be a battleground for powerful feudal during the Reformation
families, notably the Habsburgs, Savoys and Zähringens. in 1524, Zürich.

Timeline of events
390 BC 217 BC 200 BC
Gallic armies Hannibal comes onwards
heading for Rome over the Alps The Roman rulers
cross the Grand with his introduce their reli­
St Bernard Pass. elephants. gion, language and
underfloor heating.

742
500s BC A feudal system develops
The Helvetii and as Charlemagne draws
Rhaetian tribes begin the region into the
to settle in the Alps. Holy Roman Empire.
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