Raetians

The Raetians were an ancient people who inhabited the Alpine regions of southeastern Switzerland, western Austria, and northeastern Italy. Their territory, known as Raetia, was bordered by the Roman provinces of Noricum and Italia to the east and south, respectively. The Raetians were first mentioned by the Roman historian Tacitus in his Histories, where he described their fierce resistance to Roman expansion during the late 1st century BCE.

Little is known about the origins of the Raetians, but it is believed they were a Celtic or pre-Celtic people who were gradually influenced by Celtic culture. They were farmers and herders, living in fortified settlements called "burgi" or "oppida" on hilltops. Their economy was based on agriculture, livestock, and mining, particularly iron ore. The Raetians were organized into various tribes, with the Rhetian language, a non-Indo-European tongue, being spoken in their territories.

In 15 BCE, the Roman Empire conquered Raetia, integrating it into the empire as the Roman province of Raetia. Romanization gradually spread throughout the region, with the construction of roads, cities, and public buildings. The Raetians adopted Roman customs, language, and administration, eventually becoming Roman citizens. The legacy of the Raetians can still be seen in the toponyms and linguistic remnants found in the Alpine regions today.