Regnum Noricum

Regnum Noricum, the first proven political entity on the territory of today´s Austria; named after the Norici Tribe. From 170 B.C. King Cincibilus entertained friendly relations with the Romans based on a "hospitium publicum" (national hospitality). As a result trade relations became more intensive and Rome´s influence in the region increased. Centre of the Regnum Noricum was probably the settlement on the Magdalensberg Mountain, where an early-Roman inscription has been found that lists the names of Noric tribes. In the 2^nd century B.C. fortified provincial towns (oppida; Celts) were established and coins were minted after the example of the Greeks. In the 1^st century B.C. the Regnum Noricum extended far into the east and the north (Voccio). Around 15 B.C. the Romans peacefully invaded the area of the Regnum Noricum up to the River Danube (Noricum, Roman Era). Economic activities were based on iron (Noric Iron), mining, industrial activities, agricultural products and trade.

Literature: G. Dobesch, Die Kelten in Österreich nach den ältesten Berichten der Antike, 1980; G. Winkler, Noricum und Rom, 1977.