Archaeologists have made a remarkable discovery in the heart of the Alps. At an altitude of approximately 2,100 meters above sea level, they have discovered a previously unknown Roman military camp that has remained untouched for nearly two thousand years.
The discovery was made in what is now Switzerland, in the canton of Graubünden, during research on an ancient battlefield in the Alpine region. A breakthrough came in 2023 when a volunteer noticed an unusual terrain structure in the Colm la Runga corridor – a site located high above the valleys.
Further research, conducted by a team from the University of Basel, using LiDAR technology revealed the outline of artificial fortifications. It turned out that a fortified camp stood on the summit, surrounded by three ditches and an earthen rampart.
The location was no coincidence. The camp overlooks four strategic valleys: Landwassertal, Albulatal, Domleschg, and Surses, as well as the important Lenzerheide transport route. This location allowed Roman soldiers to effectively control enemy movements and secure key passes.
Numerous military artifacts were discovered at the site, including lead slingshot projectiles and nails from Roman military sandals (caligae). Of particular significance are projectiles marked with the stamp of the III Legion, which allowed us to link the camp to a specific Roman army unit.
The dating of the finds indicates that the camp operated approximately 2,000 years ago and was associated with Roman military operations in the Alpine region. The discovery sheds new light on the course of military campaigns and the legions’ march through difficult mountainous terrain.
The find confirms that the Roman army operated with remarkable effectiveness even in extreme high-altitude conditions. As the researchers emphasize, this discovery provides further evidence that the area of the so-called “Roman Switzerland” still holds many secrets that remain to be revealed.
