History of the Alps
Part 1: The Alps, from human origins to the Roman era.
Alps : A human story
Introduction: The upper world
A mountainous arc spanning 8 countries and more than 1,200km, the Alps are renowned for the wildness and beauty of their landscapes – but also for the resilience of their people, who have stood the test of time by demonstrating great adaptability to hostile conditions and historical change.
But what is the real human history of the Alps? At what pace, and according to what will, have human populations settled and developed in this very special area?
Sedentarisation, adaptations to climatic conditions, cultural exchanges, etc. – this article explores the history of the Alps, to help us understand the social changes in this complex region.
Discovering “the world above”¹.
1: The word “Alps” etymologically refers to two concepts: whiteness and height. According to some interpretations, it could mean “the world above” or “the luminous world” – lending this territory a spiritual, almost mystical dimension.
Derived from a Celtic root (albos), Alpes would mean “the luminous world, the world above”. Derived from a Latin root(Albus, from Greek αλφον) or from Indo-European (albho) – Alpes would mean “white”.
Opposite: Map of the glaciers of the Alps – 1848 – William Blackwood – Watercolour.
Prehistory of the Alps: Paleolithic, Mesolithic
Early alpine explorations
Around 20,000 years ago, as a result of interglacial climate warming, the Alpine valleys, which until then had been covered in ice, gradually opened up.¹.
Nomadic populations hunting in the surrounding steppe plains then made incursions into the Alpine valleys².
Favored by a change in vegetation cover and fauna, human settlement became easier and we witnessed a gradual conquest of Alpine territories (12000 BC – 5000 BC). Seasonal sites (campsites, hunting halts, observation points) emerged, and the impact of these nomadic hunter-gatherer communities on the Alpine environment was relatively discreet.
It was not until the Neolithic period that the first farming societies really settled in the Alps.
Opposite: Peasant communities crossing an Alpine pass (Col Collon, alt. 3070m). This reconstruction of a Neolithic migration (5000 B.C.) across an Alpine pass allows us to imagine the relationship between societies and migration, domestication and trade.
1: Traces of human presence have been found in the Alps during periods of warming: Riss-Würm interglacial period (approx. 100,000 BC); Middle Paleolithic (approx. 40,000 BC). But these are only temporary presences, notably of hunters who seem to have confined themselves to high altitude camps in caves. From the Upper Paleolithic/Mesolithic (16000-12000 BC) onwards, nomadic hunter/gatherer communities begin to establish themselves on a seasonal/semi-permanent basis. It wasn’t until the Neolithic period (around 5000 BC) that the first “peasant” societies became sedentary.
History of the Alps : Neolithic, Metal Age
Sedentaration & Exchanges
At the beginning of the Neolithic (c. 5500 BC), the first farming communities settled in the low and mid-altitude Alpine valleys. They created suitable sites in strategic locations (river alluvial fans, hilltops, terraces), adapted to economic activities (sheepfolds, extraction of raw materials) and symbolic practices (necropolises, rock painting and engraving, etc.).
These village communities grow cereals (grain, small spelt, barley) and domesticate animals (goats, sheep) – alongside predatory activities (hunting, fishing, gathering).
The Bronze Age ushered in a new era in the history of the Alps. As metallurgy gradually developed, so did the production of bronze tools, weapons and jewelry. Trade intensified during this period, transforming Alpine societies towards greater complexity and social stratification.
During the Iron Age, the Celts arrived in the Alps, introducing iron for more efficient tools and weapons. They established strategic fortified centers (political and economic) on the heights, and developed a network of trade routes. These intercultural exchanges enriched Alpine societies and forged a distinct cultural identity in the region.
Goatskin patchwork tunic. Bearskin cap with drawstring. Shoes with leather sole and upper tongue. Inner slipper in twisted grass netting. Adjustable cape in alpine grass stems.
“Des Alpes au Léman, Images de la préhistoire”, Infolios éditions,
2008 (2nd edition)
History of the Alps: Roman era
Conquest & Acculturation
In ancient times, the Roman Empire identified the Alps as a strategic zone – a key passageway for its expansion – and decided to conquer the area.
The change in lifestyle that followed this conquest then took place gradually, supported by the establishment of administrations and infrastructures (network of roads – enabling goods and information to be transported).
This ‘Romanisation’ of the Alps involved the arrival of new construction methods (masonry), decorations (baths, mosaics), consumer products and everyday objects (fine ceramics, Mediterranean dishes, etc.); but also Latin, Roman games and shows, etc.
While Latin culture is spreading, it is not entirely replacing existing culture. Local populations, especially in rural areas, continue to preserve “traditional” foods, practices and rituals.
Two cultures were gradually juxtaposed and blended. Agglomerations are a concrete example of this diversity: economic, political, cultural and religious centers – places where traditional culture is reinforced and at the same time showcases a new Roman way of life.
1: The Roman conquest of the Alps took place in 2 campaigns, relatively far apart: (125-121 BC 25 BC).
After that, the installation process is gradual.
Opposite: Peasant communities crossing an Alpine pass (Col Collon, alt. 3070m). This reconstruction of a Neolithic migration (5000 B.C.) across an Alpine pass allows us to imagine the relationship between societies and migration, domestication and trade.
Sources
. Prehistory of the Alps: scientific issues, research methods and prospects
. Les Alpes Domestiquées – Revue l’Alpes – numéro 100: Alpins, 7000 ans d’histoires.
. From the Alps to Lake Geneva. Images of prehistory. Gallay, A. dir. 2008. Infolio, Gollion
. History of Alpine settlement (Wikipedia)
. The Alps (Wikipedia)
. Homo Alpinus
History of the Alps : Adaptation
The history of the Alps, seen through the prism of its people, is an example of resilience, adaptation and innovation.
From prehistory to the present day, human populations have adapted to an austere environment, to major historical changes, to trade and conquest – to build mixed, evolving, sustainable societies.
This human story offers a valuable lesson in the adaptability of our societies. At a time of societal change, this human story seems to offer pertinent answers: favoring exchange, sharing, adaptation – in search of harmony and longevity.