Читать книгу The River Rhone Cycle Route. From the Alps to the Mediterranean онлайн

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Vineyards of Lavaux cover the lakeside slopes between Vevey and Lausanne (Stage 5)

Background

The Rhone cycle route passes through two countries. Although both countries speak French (albeit partly so in Switzerland) they have very different history, culture and ways of government.

Switzerland

Switzerland is a federation of 26 cantons (federal states). It was founded in 1291 (on 1 August, now celebrated as Swiss national day), although some of west Switzerland through which the route passes did not join the federation until 1803. Modern Switzerland is regarded as a homogenous, prosperous and well organised country, but it was not always the case.

Roman occupation

Before the arrival of the Romans in 15BC, the land north of the Alps that is modern Switzerland was inhabited by the Helvetii, a Gallic Iron Age tribe. More than 400 years of Roman rule left its mark with many archaeological remains. During the fourth century AD, the Romans came under increasing pressure from Germanic tribes from the north and by AD401 had withdrawn their legions from the region.