Vaud

History

Along the lakes, Vaud was inhabited in prehistoric times. Later on, the Celtic tribe of the Helvetii inhabited the area. The tribe was defeated by Caesar's troops in 58 BC and as a consequence the Romans settled the area. The towns of Vevey (Viviscus) and Lausanne (Lausonium or Lausonna) are two of the many towns established by the Romans.

Related Topics:
Helvetii - Caesar - 58 BC - Romans - Vevey - Lausanne

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

In 27 BC the state of Civitas Helvetiorum was established around the capital of Avenches (Aventicum). There are still many Roman remains around the town today. Between the 2nd and the 4th century the area was repeatedly invaded by Alemannic tribes, and in the 5th century the Burgundians occupied the area. The Merovingian Franks later replaced the Burgundians. Their occupancy did not last long either, and in 888 the area of the canton of Vaud was made part of the Carolingian Empire. In 1032 the Zähringens of Germany defeated the Burgundians. The Zähringens themselves were succeeded in 1218 by the counts of Savoy. It was only under the counts of Savoy that the area was given political unity, establishing what is today in greater part known as the canton of Vaud. A part stretching from Attalens to the River Sarine, in the north was absorbed by the canton of Fribourg.

Related Topics:
27 BC - Avenches - 2nd - 4th century - Alemanni - 5th century - Burgundians - Merovingian - 888 - Carolingian Empire - 1032 - Zähringen - 1218 - Savoy

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

As the power of the Savoys declined at the beginning of the 15th century the land was occupied by troops from Bern. By 1536 the area was completely annexed. The rulers from Bern imposed the Reformation by force. The Bernese occupants were not popular amongst the population and the French Revolutionary troops were received with enthusiasm in 1798. The French troops were victorious and a Lemanic Republic was declared. This was soon turned into the canton of Léman, which in 1803 joined the Swiss confederation.

Related Topics:
15th century - Bern - 1536 - French Revolution - 1798 - Léman - 1803

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The current constitution dates from April 14 2003, replacing the one from 1885. In the 19th century the canton of Vaud was an outspoken opponent of the Catholic separatist movement (Sonderbund).

Related Topics:
April 14 - 2003 - 1885 - 19th century

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~