Augustus' conquest of the Alps

By reconstructing the Alpine Campaign, a major Roman military operation under the Emperor Augustus, archaeologists have discovered the highest military camp in the Roman Empire, at an altitude of 2,300 meters, and uncovered an ancient battlefield.

The discoveries reveal that the slingshot, a little-studied but formidable throwing weapon, played a decisive role in the conquest of the high mountains. They also confirm that Roman soldiers faced incredible challenges as they advanced - not only in battle, but also in daily camp life. In a single summer, the legions succeeded in conquering vast areas of the Alps. The annexed territories became part of the new province of Rhetia, which remained part of the Roman Empire for almost 400 years.