History of Switzerland · Beginnings and the Old Swiss Confederacy
Helvetii and Romans
Topic
More than 2000 years ago, Celtic peoples lived in the area of present-day Switzerland. The most important people were the Helvetii. They lived mainly in the Plateau between the Jura, the Alps and the Rhine. Switzerland is still named after them today: in Latin it is called «Helvetia». The CH on car number plates also comes from this. It stands for «Confoederatio Helvetica», in other words the Helvetic Confederation.
In 58 BC, the Helvetii wanted to emigrate westwards into present-day France. The Roman general Julius Caesar defeated them at Bibracte and sent them back. After that, the area of Switzerland came under Roman rule. The Romans stayed for around 400 years. They built roads, towns, temples and theatres.
The capital of the Helvetii in Roman times was Aventicum, present-day Avenches in the canton of Vaud. A large amphitheatre still stands there today. This is a round arena with rows of seats. There people watched animal hunts and gladiator fights. Other Roman sites are Augusta Raurica (Augst near Basel) and the legionary camp of Vindonissa (Windisch).
Memory aid: CH on the car = «Confoederatio Helvetica»: the Helvetii are in the name of Switzerland.
Key terms
- Helvetier
- Helvetii: a Celtic people who lived in the Plateau of present-day Switzerland in Roman times.
- Aventicum
- Aventicum: Roman capital of the Helvetii, today Avenches (VD), with a well-preserved amphitheatre.
- Amphitheater
- Amphitheatre: a round or oval Roman arena with rows of seats for games and fights.
Exam questions on this topic
- Which people lived in the area of present-day Switzerland at the time of ancient Rome?Correct answer: A, Helvetii
- From which ancient power and culture does the amphitheatre shown here (in Avenches) come?Correct answer: B, from the Romans