The Rhône culture was an archaeological culture of the Early Bronze Age (c. 2200-1500 BC) located in eastern France and western Switzerland, centred along the Rhône river.

[4] Rhône culture metalwork and pottery are particularly similar to those of the Straubing group in Bavaria.

[5][6] The Thun-Renzenbühl axe (c. 1800 BC), found near Thun and attributed to the Rhône culture, is one of the earliest examples of the use of damascening technique in the world.

[8][9] The gold inlay decoration on the axe may also have a numerical, astronomical meaning.

[10] Media related to Rhône culture at Wikimedia Commons