Legions of Augustus conquer the alpine tribe of the Rhaeti in what is now eastern Switzerland. Then, the whole of the Swiss territory is incorporated into the Roman Empire.
William Tell is forced by a Habsburg governor to shoot an apple from his son's head. Tell's subsequent killing of the governor becomes part of the founding myth of the Confederation.
Reformation in Zurich, led by Huldrych Zwingli. Zwingli is killed in battle against Catholic forces from central Switzerland in 1531.
The 30 Years War ravages much of Europe, but Switzerland manages to remain neutral. Graubünden, which at this time is not a member of the Confederation, is a battleground between French and Austrian-Spanish armies because of its strategic importance.
The Treaty of Westphalia ends the 30 Years War; the European powers formally recognise Swiss independence.
English entrepreneur Thomas Cook organises his first "all included" tour to Switzerland – it is the beginning of modern tourism.
