In the Swiss Alps near Savognin, archaeological finds have revealed evidence of a crucial Roman battle from 15 BC, including weaponry and a military camp. Under Emperor Augustus, Roman forces aimed to control key routes into Germania. Local tribes, despite their fierce resistance, were ultimately defeated. Recent experiments have highlighted the deadly effectiveness of Roman sling projectiles, which could reach high speeds, inflicting severe injuries on opponents. Ongoing research continues to uncover insights into this historic conflict.
Unearthing Roman History in the Swiss Alps
Amidst rugged rocks, deep gorges, and lush meadows near Savognin lies the site of a pivotal battle in Roman history, which likely unfolded in the summer of 15 BC. Archaeological discoveries at the Crap-Ses gorge have unveiled remnants such as swords, spearheads, and an impressive collection of lead projectiles, alongside a Roman military camp that recently captured global attention.
Under the leadership of Emperor Augustus, Rome was on a mission to expand its territory, particularly aiming to dominate Germania magna. “Success in this endeavor hinged upon controlling the crucial route through the Rhaetian Alps,” states Peter Schwarz, who holds the Vindonissa Professorship at the University of Basel.
Conflict Between Romans and Raetians
At that time, Augustus’ stepsons had already secured two other routes: Tiberius traversed the western path from Lyon to Lake Constance, while his younger brother, Drusus, took the eastern route over the Brenner and Reschen Passes.
“However, prior to this, there was little archaeological evidence for the third route through contemporary Switzerland,” explains Schwarz. The discoveries in Graubünden are now increasingly supporting the theory that Roman forces marched north via the ancient mule path over the Septimer Pass, likely led by the commander Lucius Calpurnius Piso Pontifex and comprising over a thousand soldiers.
The Suanetes, a local tribal confederation, faced a daunting challenge with their significantly smaller army. Despite their fierce resistance, they ultimately fell to the might of the Roman military machine, marking a historical turning point that initiated a Roman occupation of the region that would last over 400 years.
“The Romans’ victory was bolstered by a tactical deployment of slingers who unleashed a relentless barrage of lead projectiles upon their foes,” highlights Schwarz. Today, the remnants of this violent confrontation remain buried in the ground, with metal detectors having unearthed over 450 ancient lead projectiles from the battlefield, a record for high-altitude sites at 1300 meters above sea level, according to Hannes Flück from the Archaeological Service of Graubünden.
An interdisciplinary team has undertaken experiments to assess the accuracy and impact of these Roman sling projectiles, conducting tests both at the ancient battlefield near Savognin and at a Swiss Army shooting range near Yverdon. Their aim was to understand the targeting capabilities from steep slopes and the speed of these projectiles.
To facilitate this research, the world champion slinger, Silvio Vass from Germany, demonstrated the technique. Employing a sling similar to a lasso, he swung the weapon above his head, releasing the lead projectile with precision onto a target over twenty meters away.
Roman legionaries wielded slings crafted from braided hemp with a pocket designed for lead projectiles resembling apricot kernels. The rapid circular motion created sufficient centrifugal force to keep the approximately fifty-gram projectile in place until the moment of release, sending it soaring toward the target.
As projectiles rained down upon adversaries, the overwhelming noise and surprise would have instilled fear, leaving opponents unsure of how to defend themselves, as emphasized by Schwarz.
Understanding the Power of Roman Sling Projectiles
Field trials conducted with Doppler radar revealed that these sling projectiles could reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour, a velocity that could prove lethal under certain conditions. Swiss researchers are now meticulously examining the shooting characteristics and penetrating power of this ancient weapon, collaborating with forensic experts to simulate potential injuries caused by these projectiles.
Utilizing a compressed air cannon typically meant for testing building materials, the team has been able to replicate the trajectory and speed of Roman ammunition, revealing the devastating impact it could have. Tests on a head dummy showcased numerous fractures, with the gel-like interior displaying signs of severe bruising that could lead to catastrophic brain injuries, suggesting that even helmets would not have provided adequate protection in those times.
On the battlefield at Crap-Ses gorge, the steep terrain further complicated matters for the Romans, affecting their accuracy. However, their greater numbers and specialized training in slinging techniques ultimately provided them with the advantage, despite the local warriors being seasoned fighters familiar with the terrain.
Further experiments have illustrated that the lead projectiles were capable of causing severe injuries, such as shattering bones, comparable to the impact of a .44 Magnum revolver. With their advanced slinging methods, the Romans likely incapacitated their Raetian opponents, leading to traumatic injuries often resulting from the mere impact of a projectile against chain mail.
“We believe we’ve only scratched the surface in uncovering the sling projectiles utilized during this battle,” shares Hannes Flück. Many projectiles may have penetrated deep into the earth, with victorious soldiers scavenging the battlefield for reusable weapons.
New discoveries continue to emerge from this historical site, piecing together a clearer picture of the events that transpired and the tactics employed during this significant confrontation.