Swiss history and traditions.
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Modern Switzerland is the embodiment of stability and a high standard of living. However, this was not always the case. Since Ancient Rome, there always were “hungry volunteers”, who’d want to broaden their own territories with these marvellous valleys. The conquerors’ interest sparked yet again in the early Middle Ages, when these valleys were at the intersection of the transport routes connecting Northern Europe with Italy, as well as Western Europe with the eastern lands.
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At the beginning of the thirteenth century, the House of Habsburg helped a small Alpine community, being a part of the Holy Roman Empire, to build the road to the Gotthard Pass. In the course of the battle for this new strategic route, the communities of the three central valleys forged an alliance in 1291 to provide "mutual assistance". This year is considered to be the year of the founding of the Swiss Confederation.
Since the 1st century B.C. the whole territory of modern Switzerland was occupied by the Romans. The Celtic tribes lived here before, and eventually they adopted the Roman culture, and as a result, Latin became widespread. With the crumbling of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, two Germanic tribes migrated to the territory of modern Switzerland: the Alemanni moved north and east, while the Burgundians, who lost the war against the Romans, moved to the west.
The Alemanni managed to preserve their language, which later transformed into "Swiss German", or as the Swiss say, Schwyzerdütsch, and the Burgundians adopted Latin, that later transformed into French (the share of the German and French-speaking population today is 63% and 30% respectively).
After a period of active expansion of the Swiss Confederation, the French coalition was able to defeat the Swiss army (the Battle of Marignano in 1515). This event marked the end of the participation of the Swiss Confederation in the resolution of European conflicts, but it did not prevent the Swiss mercenaries from serving in the European armies. Currently, this is prohibited by law, with the exception of the service in the Vatican Guard, which still consists of Swiss mercenaries.
The Paris Peace Treaty of 1815 marked the neutrality of Switzerland, which was officially recognized by other countries.
Becoming a neutral country, numerous international organizations opened their headquarters in Geneva.
The army of Switzerland, as before, consists mainly of men, soldiers, obliged to keep military equipment at home, including the Swiss army knife.
The modern tourist Switzerland is a Mecca for travelers and tourists from all over the world, an oasis of top-notch service. One can expect a comfortable stay and a busy program of activities for a whole family; you can always indulge in extreme sports exploring wonderful snowy mountains or enjoy a quiet romantic getaway with your beloved one.
Since the 1st century B.C. the whole territory of modern Switzerland was occupied by the Romans. The Celtic tribes lived here before, and eventually they adopted the Roman culture, and as a result, Latin became widespread. With the crumbling of the Roman Empire in the 5th century, two Germanic tribes migrated to the territory of modern Switzerland: the Alemanni moved north and east, while the Burgundians, who lost the war against the Romans, moved to the west.
The Alemanni managed to preserve their language, which later transformed into "Swiss German", or as the Swiss say, Schwyzerdütsch, and the Burgundians adopted Latin, that later transformed into French (the share of the German and French-speaking population today is 63% and 30% respectively).
After a period of active expansion of the Swiss Confederation, the French coalition was able to defeat the Swiss army (the Battle of Marignano in 1515). This event marked the end of the participation of the Swiss Confederation in the resolution of European conflicts, but it did not prevent the Swiss mercenaries from serving in the European armies. Currently, this is prohibited by law, with the exception of the service in the Vatican Guard, which still consists of Swiss mercenaries.
The Paris Peace Treaty of 1815 marked the neutrality of Switzerland, which was officially recognized by other countries.
Becoming a neutral country, numerous international organizations opened their headquarters in Geneva.
The army of Switzerland, as before, consists mainly of men, soldiers, obliged to keep military equipment at home, including the Swiss army knife.
The modern tourist Switzerland is a Mecca for travelers and tourists from all over the world, an oasis of top-notch service. One can expect a comfortable stay and a busy program of activities for a whole family; you can always indulge in extreme sports exploring wonderful snowy mountains or enjoy a quiet romantic getaway with your beloved one.
The tiny field in Rütli on the shore of Lake Lucerne (Vierwaldstättersee), where the "mutual assistance oath" has been taken, the so-called Rütlischwur.
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La Fontaine de L'Escalade (1857), depicting the battle. Geneva, Switzerland. "L'Escalade" is the name of a historical battle that took place on the night of December 11 and December 12 1602, which resulted in the defeat of the troops sent by Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy.
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Military men of Switzerland are obliged to keep the Swiss army knife at home.
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Jet d'Eau Fountain Geneva
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