Raetians

The Raetians were an ancient people who lived in the Alpine region, roughly corresponding to modern-day parts of Switzerland, Austria, and Italy, during the Roman era. They were speakers of Raetic, a now-extinct language related to other ancient Alpine languages. The Raetians interacted with the expanding Roman Empire, integrating into Roman society through trade, military service, and cultural exchange. Their territory was strategically important due to its location in the Alps, serving as a vital link between Italy and northern Europe. Today, their legacy is reflected in archaeological finds, hillside settlements, and place names in the region.