Roman Camp Discovered High in the Swiss Alps

A previously unknown Roman military camp has been discovered at a high-altitude location in Graubünden, Switzerland, shedding new light on the Roman military presence in the region. Situated at approximately 2,200 meters (7,218 feet) above sea level in the Colm la Runga area, the camp is fortified by three ditches and a rampart, providing a strategic vantage point over the surrounding valleys and passes. This remarkable find is dated to the same period as a nearby battlefield in Crap Ses, placing it in the 3rd and 2nd decades BC.

A Collaboration Between Archaeologists and Volunteers

The discovery is the result of ongoing research conducted by the Vindonissa Professorship at the University of Basel, in collaboration with the Archaeological Service of Graubünden, states the Canton of Graubünden release.

Since 2021, these institutions have been investigating the Roman conflict landscape in the Crap Ses area between Cunter and Tiefencastel. A large number of volunteer detectorists from the Swiss Prospecting Working Group have played a crucial role in this effort.

The breakthrough came in autumn 2023 when a volunteer detectorist, utilizing high-resolution LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data made available by Swisstopo, identified the camp’s striking terrain structure. LiDAR technology, which allows for the creation of detailed digital terrain models by laser scanning the ground, has become an invaluable tool in archaeology. This new generation of data can reveal even the smallest variations in terrain, leading to the discovery of previously hidden archaeological sites, from dense jungles to remote mountain regions like Graubünden.

The site of the Roman military camp, Colm la Runga, Graubünden, Switzerland. (©Andrea Badrutt, Chur/ Graubünden Archaeological Service)

A Strategic Military Outpost

The Roman military camp at Colm la Runga is strategically located, offering panoramic views of the Landwasser Valley, the Albula Valley, the Domleschg, and the Surses. This location would have allowed the Roman forces to monitor crucial passes and control the movement through these valleys, particularly the important passageway at Lenzerheide.

Initial archaeological finds within the camp include weapons and equipment used by Roman soldiers, such as slingshots and shoe nails. Notably, the slingshots bear the stamp of the 3rd Legion, a Roman unit also associated with the battle at Crap Ses. This connection suggests that the camp was directly linked to the military activities in the nearby battlefield, providing further evidence of the Roman military’s strategic operations in the region.

Arrowhead found at the camp. (©Andrea Badrutt, Chur/ Graubünden Archaeological Service)

The Importance of the Camp in Roman Military History

The rediscovery of this Roman military camp is not only significant for understanding the Roman military strategy in Switzerland but also contributes to the broader narrative of Roman expansion into the Alpine region. The camp’s location in Graubünden allows researchers to trace the movements of Roman forces over several dozen kilometers, from Bergell over the Septimer Pass to the Tiefencastel area, and further towards Chur and the Alpine Rhine Valley.

This find is particularly noteworthy as it demonstrates the extent of Roman military infrastructure in the region, which has often been underexplored. The ability to track the Roman advance through these mountainous areas offers new perspectives on how the Romans managed to exert control over such a challenging landscape.

Ongoing Research and Future Discoveries

The research at Colm la Runga is ongoing. In July 2024, geophysical investigations and non-destructive documentation of the site were conducted, followed by further exploration by students from the University of Basel and volunteer prospectors throughout August. The full extent of the camp and its role in the Roman military campaign in the region are still being studied, with more findings expected as the research progresses.

Top image: The site of the Roman military camp, Colm la Runga, Switzerland Source: ©Andrea Badrutt, Chur/ Graubünden Archaeological Service

By Gary Manners