Although the scientifically-orientated activities of the Foundation for Alpine Research are mainly restricted to the descriptive branches of the natural sciences, these parameters are occasionally exceeded. During the research into the ibex, some historical work was included in our programme for the very first time. The positive feedback this caused prompted the Foundation to make further attempts.
The Foundation therefore supported archaeological investigations carried out by Alexander Tanner in Graubünden. With support from the Swiss Association for Prehistorical Research and approval from the Graubünden authorities, this researcher undertook prehistorical excavations in Darvella, near Truns in the Vorderrheintal. Traces of Bronze Age and Roman settlements had been found at the excavation location at the time the Rhätischen railway was being built. Shortly before the end of the excavation period, the working group came unexpectedly upon traces of Iron Age cultures, which provided evidence of the unbroken settlement of the Vorderrheintal in Graubünden from the Iron Age to the present.
The excavations near Truns brought Tanner much recognition, but the continuation of work beyond the original deadline had caused unforeseen costs, and these were not covered by the amount of credit allocated. By providing post-financing in the form of a personal grant, the Foundation gave the talented young researcher the recognition he deserved.
As well as the work carried out by Tanner, the Foundation also provided support for the publication of a dissertation by Hildegard Klumpp on the examination of bone remains in the excavations at the Niederrealta ruins in Domleschg (Graubünden).