The long history of alpine refuges: from the Roman precursors to the sophisticated network of emergency shelters in the present day.
From time immemorial until modern times, journeys across the mountains have been associated with manifold dangers. Sudden snowstorms, temperature drops, mudslides and avalanches. Only a roof over one's head, a place with a warming fire and a corner to sleep in, can protect one from these weather events. For a long time, there were only huts scattered haphazardly along the passes over the Alps, until the Romans took it upon themselves to build an elaborate transportation network - including the forerunners of the shelters of today. In the Middle Ages, this idea was taken up again and expanded to the elaborate network of refuges we know today - and which still saves people in emergency situations every year.