At least 18 graves, containing human bones and burial objects in stone-built coffin-like boxes from 2000 BC were unearthed when workers were digging for the foundations of an apartment building in Savièse, the Valais cantonal chancellery External linkannounced on Tuesday.
Archaeological finds from the Bronze Age in the same region of Switzerland have been known, but it is the first time that a burial site could be examined and documented in more detail, according to officials.
Experts say the discovery shows that dead bodies were buried in a foetal position up to the Bronze Age and not only in the Neolithic Age.
It’s believed the foetal position resembles sleeping so the souls of the dead can rest in peace. Others say the burial reflects the worship of reproduction and their foetus-shaped dead bodies indicate the wish to reborn.
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In pursuit of the crystal hunters
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In the Swiss Alps, a melting glacier has revealed crystal tools made by hunter-gatherers. Now archaeologists are examining what they left behind.
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By 8am on Saturday, an 11-kilometre queue had formed at the Gotthard tunnel’s northern entrance, with drivers facing nearly two hours of delays.
Plant-based meat market in Switzerland set to grow to CHF361 million by 2030
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Switzerland’s market for plant-based meat alternatives has a potential value of around CHF 242 million this year, though it remains a niche market.
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The army is looking for a modern solution for its decommissioned fortress mortar bunkers, with plans to turn them into hardened defence hubs.
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Spain ended Switzerland’s run in the Women’s Euros on Friday, but fans in Bern made history with the largest supporters’ march in Women’s Euros history.
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Solar energy pioneer Raphaël Domjan and his team continued preparations for the altitude record attempt at 10,000 metres with the SolarStratos solar aircraft.
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Cattle in the canton of Geneva and in the neighbouring region of Terre Sainte in the canton of Vaud are being vaccinated against the contagious viral skin nodule disease. The first cases of the animal disease were reported at the end of June in France, just outside Geneva.
Fewer attacks on Swiss ATMs but their future remains uncertain
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Bank ATMs in Switzerland are less prone to attacks by criminals, but their future remains uncertain given the less active use of cash by the population.
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A series of rockfalls occurred above the village of Brienz between 9 and 12 July. According to the municipality of Albula, the overall situation remains tense. Several people disregarded the ban on entering the area around the village.
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Arosa Bergbahnen achieved the highest figure in its 95-year history in the 2024/25 financial year with net revenue of CHF 37 million. Arosa Lenzerheide was able to capitalise on strengths such as snow reliability and the size of the ski area in a long winter season, the company announced on Thursday.
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‘Livable’ Swiss cemetery caters to all faiths
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The Bremgarten cemetery in Bern is one of few in Switzerland offering people of diverse world religions and belief systems a final resting place.
Bronze Age tombs unearthed during car park construction
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The tombs were discovered in Sion, a town in the French-speaking part of Switzerland. The artefacts were dated between 850 and 400 BC – a period when the Bronze Age was giving way to the second Iron Age. A bronze sword with an ivory pommel was discovered among the remains of an adult male, along…
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If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.