James Blake Wiener10.10.2024During the tenth century, barbarian raids affected large parts of what is now Switzerland. Seizing control of the western alpine passes, Saracens from the Emirate of Fraxinetum dominated the crucial arteries of trade and pilgrimage between France, Italy, and Switzerland for nearly a century. Much of Switzerland fell under their sway.
Madeleine Herren08.10.2024On 9 October 1874, the Universal Postal Union was established in Bern, laying the foundation for modern communication. To this day, it allows the global exchange of letters and parcels and is a cornerstone of global postal traffic.
James Blake Wiener12.09.2024The Battle of Malplaquet, fought on September 11, 1709 in what is present-day Belgium at the height of the War of the Spanish Succession, was the bloodiest battle of the eighteenth century with over 22,000 dead and wounded. Swiss mercenaries faced each other on the battlefield; 8,000 lost their lives.
James Blake Wiener22.08.2024In 1812, the Swiss adventurer and explorer Johann Ludwig Burckhardt (1784-1817) traversed the ancient Nabataean city of Petra. He was the first European to set his eyes upon the ruins since the time of the Crusades. His life is a curious story of research and unexpected high adventure.
Günther Meier20.08.2024The Principality of Liechtenstein has existed for over 300 years. The small country situated between Switzerland and Austria was not established on conquered territory, nor did it emerge from a post-war peace treaty. Instead, it was purchased by the Princely House of Liechtenstein, which gave the nation state its name.
Rudolf Jaun13.08.2024In 1914, Switzerland mobilised and had to appoint a general. The Federal Council and Federal Assembly could not agree on whom to choose. Following a private chat with the other candidate, Ulrich Wille got the job.
