The History and Mythology of Helvetia
The Woman Who Became Switzerland Reading Time: 4 Min. Publication: February 17, 2026, Jonathan Schönholzer Switzerland is often represented not by a king, a warrior, or a mythical beast, but by a woman named Helvetia. She appears on coins, stamps, monuments, buildings , and official artwork, usually holding a shield with a white cross and a spear or flag. More than a decorative figure, Helvetia is the personification of the Swiss nation, an embodiment of its history, values, and self-image. Her story blends ancient tribal roots, classical mythology, and modern nation-building into a uniquely Swiss symbol. From the Helvetii to a National Name The name Helvetia originates with the Helvetii, a Celtic tribe that inhabited the Swiss Plateau in the centuries before Roman conquest. In 58 BCE, the Helvetii famously attempted a mass migration, only to be defeated by Julius Caesar, an event recorded in his Commentarii de B...