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.
Switzerland condemned for deciding to deport gay Iranian
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Switzerland violated the prohibition on inhuman treatment by considering that a gay Iranian could be returned to his country.
Gestational diabetes found to increase risk of adult-onset diabetes
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A research team from the Lake Geneva region has identified persistent dysfunctions in glucose regulation in women with gestational diabetes. In the long term, this can increase the risk of adult-onset diabetes by up to ten times.
Swiss village must be evacuated by midday on Sunday
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The village of Brienz-Brinzauls in eastern Switzerland, which is threatened by a rockfall, must be evacuated by 1pm on Sunday. All residents must leave the village.
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A former judge of the Graubünden Administrative Court in eastern Switzerland has been found guilty of rape, sexual harassment and threatening a former trainee.
Costs and care time increase in Swiss retirement and nursing homes
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In 2023 the costs of retirement and nursing homes increased by 5% compared to 2022 and those of assistance and care at home by 7%. Together, they amounted to CHF15 billion.
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Almost half of the population in Switzerland shows clear to pronounced signs of smartphone addiction, according to a survey.
Swiss healthcare stakeholders want to save CHF300 million
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The main players in the Swiss healthcare sector want to save around CHF300 million ($340 million) in healthcare costs a year from 2026.
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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.