Prehistoric settlement in middle and high altitudes in the Upper Rhone Valley (Valais-Vaud, Switzerland): a summary of twenty years of research

Abstract

SUMMARY - Prehistoric settlement in middle and high altitudes in the Upper Rhone Valley (Valais-Vaud, Switzerland): A summary of twenty years of research - This paper presents the different stages of research that lead to the understanding of prehistoric settlement in the Upper Rhone Valley, from the Early Mesolithic to historical times. It summarizes twenty years of research in the regions of Valais and Chablais (Switzerland): 1985-1987: theoretical model and early fieldwork; 1992-1997: further excavations on reference sites; 1998-2005: new field surveys and new data . First, we present the details of the fieldwork carried out and, in particular, the problems encountered in middle and high altitudes (survey techniques, reliability of the data). After 20 years, a more refined model has been developed with the only weak point being the lack of understanding of settlements in the middle altitudes. After the end of the last Ice Age, Epipalaeolithic and Mesolithic hunters colonised the Rhone Valley by two different routes: over the high mountain passes in eastern Valais (connecting northern Italy) and by the Lower Rhone Valley in the west (connecting Lake Geneva). Early Neolithic culture spread to Valais over mountain passes linking the Alps with the Po Valley, possibly by grazing small herds in high pastures in summer. The Bronze Age reveals a strong demographic development indirectly linked to the exploitation of copper deposits. Later, the mountain passes played an increasingly important role. In particular, during the Iron Age, the relations between the Etruscan and Celtic societies influenced the organi sation of alpine communities. Subsequently, connections to the south became more established and developed with Cisalpine Gaul, until Valais was integrated into the Roman Empire. The evolution of the economic management of the vegetational belts led to the establishment, at least in certain regions, of permanent settlements in the mountain belt during the Iron Age.

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