Νωρικοί

Nomenclature

Greek Names: Νωρικοί

Latin Name: Norici

Anglicized Name: Norici, Noricans

Contents

Location

Noricum

The land of the Norici was located between the Danube and the Alps, extending over the mountains into Italy. It bordered the lands of the Insubri, Carni, Raeti, Pannonians and Aquileia. Also near this region were the Vindelici, the Breuni and the Genauni.

Noricum was a land of mountains, with high mountains between 2000-3000 meters high in the south, west, and central regions, while others in the southwest reached over 3000 meters. These mountains were divided by sharp, long river valleys. These functioned as centers of settlement and routes of trade and communication. In the north and east, hill country extended between the Alps and the Danube. The south/southeast region was especially important due to its not unfavorable climate, mineral wealth, and fertile valleys.

Noricum is said to have yielded a high quality iron ore. It was also rich in gold and salt, as well as saliunca, which was used as a perfume. The famous Norican steel was used for Roman weapons.

Map of the Roman Empire during 116, the province Noricum highlighted.

Roads of Noricum

The extreme mountainous geography of Noricum necessitated the construction of roads to facilitate communication, trade, and administration throughout the region. Construction of these roads began in Noricum before it was under Roman control. After Roman conquest, the Romans set up a highly organized network of roads with routes passing through valleys and high mountain passes. The heavy use of the Norican roads by pedestrians, horsemen, and heavy wagons required frequent repairs to these roads. Weather, especially in the winter, could make these routes through the mountains very dangerous.

The Venetic road ran from Julium Carnicum, over the Plocken Pass, and ended at the settlement on the Gurina. It was constructed well enough to permit lively traffic by wheeled vehicles. Another major road is referred as the “Norican main highway,” which crossed the frontier between Noricum and Italy as a continuation of a trade road that ran north from Aquileia into the Tagliamento valley.

Magdalensberg

Located in southern Noricum, Magdalensberg was the most important trading center in the kingdom during the time of the late Roman republic and the largest enclosed settlement in all of Noricum. It had a defendable position, ample water supply despite the high elevation, and fertile soil. Iron deposits also facilitated its growth from a small early settlement. As a result, Magdalensberg became the seat of the Norican kings and the capital of the kingdom. It attracted many Roman merchants, who could commission painters from the south to decorate their houses with lavish frescoes. Examples of these with figures like Minerva, Venus, Iphigenia, Dionysus, and others have been found.

Fresco of Iphigenia Taurisca from Room AA/15 in Magdalensberg. 1st century AD.

Magdalensberg reached the height of its development shortly after Roman conquest in 15 BC, when the installed Roman administration erected more buildings. On the west side of the forum, the “House of Representatives” was built. It had numerous inscriptions scratched into its interior walls with good wishes for the Augustan imperial house and references to sacrifices. The large population of Magdalensberg at this time is evidenced by a large burial ground southeast of its summit that extends for 600 meters. The considerable number of native Noricans in Magdalensberg can be seen in the form of temporary visitors whose names appear in graffiti as customers of Italian merchants, but also in the form of permanent residents whose names appear on many tombstones. There were also a number of foreign immigrants, usually merchants, most of whom were from Italy with some from Asia Minor and Mauretania. The majority of foreign immigrants in Noricum lived in Magdalensberg.

The strong Roman influence in Magdalensberg before and after Roman conquest contributed to the Romanization of the Noricans. Native contractors, traders, and craftsmen regularly encountered Romans at Magdalensberg and elsewhere in Noricum. The Latin script took hold and became more prevalent in funerary inscriptions, and more and more Noricans began to bear Roman names.

Iron axes from Magdalensberg.

Origins

The name “Norici” likely originally referred only to a single tribe in central Carinthia. It probably originated from the goddess Noreia, or from the place name Noreia, and is likely Celtic in origin.

Celts settled in central Carinthia in the second half of the 3rd century BC and created a centralized power based on the iron mines of northern Carinthia and the military superiority of the Celtic Norici over the original population of this area. Thus, the chief of the Norici ruled central Carinthia.

The rulers of the Norici tribe united the whole of Noricum into a tribal federation in the 2nd and 1st centuries BC. Their name gradually extended to include peoples of the whole country, including the Taurisci.

Sociopolitical Organization

There are conflicting ancient sources about the relationship between the Taurisci and the Norici. Strabo attests that the Taurisci belonged to the Norici, while Pliny the Elder claims that the Norici used to be called the Taurisci, and Polybius mentions the Taurisci as a separate group living in southern Noricum. More recent takes include the idea that the Taurisci name was used for a range of Alpine peoples during the first and second centuries BC, including the Taurini, the Carni, and the Norici, that were Celticized from the 3rd century BC onwards.

The tribal federation, led by the chief of the Norici, developed into a monarchy in the 2nd century BC. By 186-183 BC, this chief had acquired “king” status among his own people in central Carinthia, but had not yet reached the height of his power. By 178 BC, Rome recognized the Norican king, Cincibilis, and his brother (possibly Catmelus), as duo fratres reguli, indicating they were seen as a royal house.

In the first century BC, Norican influence and territory continued to expand, with their kings recognized as the highest authority in the region. The king was at the top of the social pyramid and likely owned large estates and the mines. Tribal rulers that were allied to the king and the leading warriors of each tribe formed the nobility class. The rest of the population consisted of free peasants, miners, herdsmen, manual laborers, and traders. Slavery was also practiced before and after Roman conquest. Despite the authority of the king of Noricum, individual tribes still acted on their own accord in foreign policy. An example of this occurred in 15 BC, when the Ambisontes, allied with the Raeti and the Vindelici, waged war on Rome despite the Norican kingdom’s close relationship with Rome.

After the Romans annexed Noricum in 15 BC, Noricum was ruled for some time under a praefectus civitatium, followed by an equestrian governor who resided at Virunum and commanded auxilia and a group of local men called iuventus Noricorum. During and after the Marcomannic Wars, the newly raised Roman Legio II Italica was quartered at multiple locations in Noricum. Its commander acted as governor of Noricum and resided at Ovilava. Under Diocletian, Noricum was divided into two parts: Noricum Ripense on the Danube and Noricum Mediterraneum in the south.

Many Noricans were granted Roman citizenship beginning as early as the time of Augustus. However, the majority of native inhabitants of Magdalensberg during the time of Augustus and Tiberius were not Roman citizens. Over time, a rich and “Roman-thinking” upper class developed within Noricum. Members of this class obtained Roman citizenship and often served in the Roman army.

Customs and Beliefs

The patron god of the Norici was Belenus/Belinus. This deity was worshipped among the Celts and the neighbors of the Norici, and was often associated with light and fire. He was sometimes associated with the Greco-Roman god, Apollo.

The Celtic god Latobius was depicted as a naked youth with a shield.

In the eastern Alpine regions of Noricum, local deities were worshipped alongside Roman gods after Roman annexation of Noricum. Romanized version of local cults were also prevalent, such as Mars Latobius at Iuenna and Apollo Grannus in Teurnia. The cult of Mithras was also present in Noricum, as seen by a Mithraeum on the western border of Noricum near the Inn river that was used until the end of the 4th century AD.

The “House of Representatives,” built in Magdalensberg soon after Roman annexation, has evidence that the inhabitants of the house worshipped local deities. On the north side of the forum in Magdalensberg, a temple to two gods, perhaps Dea Roma and Divus Augustus, was begun after the death of Augustus but was never completed.

Major Events

c. 400/390-250 BC: Arrival of Celts in Noricum and subsequent Celticization of the region.

c. 200 BC: Creation of a Celtic state in central Carinthia, which laid the foundation of the Norican kingdom.

186-169 BC: First contact between Romans and Noricans, with Norican embassies visiting Rome in 170 and 169 BC.

178 BC: 3000 Celtic Noricans fought alongside Romans in Istria.

170 BC: Beginning of Romano-Norican trading.

c. 150 BC: The discovery of gold near Teurnia in Noricum and the expulsion of Roman gold prospectors from Noricum.

113 BC: Germanic Cimbri of Jutland and Teutons invaded Noricum, pillaging as they went. Roman consul, Gaius Papirius Carbo, intervened without senate approval and attacked the Cimbri. He was badly defeated.

c. 100 BC: A Roman trading settlement in Magdalensberg was created.

c. 70 BC: The Norici began to mint coins.

49/48 BC: A group of Norican cavalrymen sent by Voccio sided with Julius Caesar during the civil war against Pompey.

c. 40 BC: The end of minting Norican coins.

15 BC: Annexation of Noricum into the Roman Empire. This was a relatively peaceful event with little fighting, but some Norican groups in northwest were subdued by force.

41/50 AD: Magdalensberg was given up and the provincial capital of Noricum was transferred to Virunum.

69 AD: After the fall of Nero, the Norican army first supported Otho, then Vespasian in the civil wars.

c. 100 AD: The first Noricans became equites Romani.

4th – 5th centuries AD: Noricum was overrun by German tribes and occupied at different times by the Goths, the Franks, the Lombards, the Slavs, and the Avars.

Relationships

The Norici and their neighbors are said to have often invaded the neighboring parts of Italy, the Elvetii, the Sequani, the Boii, and the Germans.

As the Romans expanded their power over northern Italy, first contact between the Romans and Noricum occurred in the first half of the 2nd century BC. The foundation of Aquileia between 183 and 181 BC created a trading center between Rome and the Norican kingdom. Relations between these two nations were excellent from the start. In 178 BC, a Celtic (Norican) contingent of 3000 fought alongside Romans against the Istrians. There were repeated diplomacies exchanged between Rome and the kings of Noricum, Cincibilis and Balanos, between 170 and 169 BC. Each new Norican king received extravagant gifts from Rome, such as golden torques, fancy dishes, a horse with rich trappings, and cavalry weapons. In return, the kings offered embassies and military aid to Rome. The Norican king Voccio was friends with Julius Caesar, who sent Roman engineers to assist in building defenses the oppidum of Magdalensberg. In 49 BC, Voccio sent 300 Norican cavalrymen to support Caesar in his civil war against Pompey. Up until Roman conquest, there was no trace of any Roman administration in Noricum before Claudius.

Some of the Norici and the Pannonians invaded Istria in 16 BC, but were overrun and enslaved. Cassius Dio suggests this was a catalyst in Rome’s decision to annex Noricum.

In 15 BC when Rome took control of Noricum, they were able to occupy the country practically without a struggle. Magdalensberg was turned into the headquarters of the Roman administration without any need for a siege or storming of the city. The longstanding positive relationship between Noricum and Rome had long laid the foundation of Roman rule in Noricum.

After Roman annexation, Noricans were valuable recruits for the Roman army. They were descendants of Celtic warriors, accustomed to the cold winters of the region and experienced in moving on foot or horseback over difficult terrain. Under Augustus and Tiberius, they mainly served in auxiliary units, but began to serve in legions beginning with Claudius’ rule. Noricans were incorporated into the praetorian guard as early as Augustus’ rule.

Economy and Trade

The Norican economy was based on agriculture, pastoralism, mining, iron smelting, metalworking, and trade. Trade within Noricum and with other Celtic groups flourished in the 1st century BC. Noricum began minting independent Celtic coinage in the south around 70 BC. The spread of these coins has indicated Norican trade with Pannonia and Gaul.

Trading relations between Rome and Noricum started shortly after their first meeting. Roman coins have been found at Magdalensberg that had been minted between 172-151 BC. The discovery of gold in Noricum attracted Roman prospectors and traders. Their presence eventually caused friction with the Norican leaders, who expelled them. However, relations with Rome were unaffected and Rome accepted the Norican monopoly on gold.

Material Culture

One of the most important single finds in Noricum from the period before Roman conquest is the “Helenenberg Youth,” or “Youth of Magdalensberg.” This bronze statue of a naked male youth was found in 1502 below the summit of Magdalensberg, where it had originally stood as a cult statue in a temple. An inscription on the upper right thigh and on the shield, which is no longer present, indicated the statue was dedicated to Mars by a freedman of the Aquileian Poblicii, two freedman and a slave of the Barbii, and a native Celt. The image of a naked youth with a shield is also attributed to the Celtic god Latobius.

A bronze cast of the “Youth of Magdalensberg” made in the 16th century (original: 1st century BC), featuring a naked youth (Mars/Latobius). H: 185 cm.

Another find in Magdalensberg was a small bronze statuette of the goddess Nemesis, which was also dedicated by a freedman of the Barbii of Aquileia.

Norican steel was famous in the ancient world for its high quality, especially in producing bladed objects. Modern studies on this steel has revealed that this quality was achieved by tailoring the forging technique to the end product. Norican smiths used a multi-step process that they mastered to perfection to successfully produce these top-quality items that were then used for trade.

At Magdalensberg, Norican iron and steel were smelted and brooches and native pottery were also produced here. There were also workshops used by joiners, harness-makers, tailors, and a fullery for textiles. Trade was a booming business at Magdalensberg, especially soon after Roman annexation. Italian pottery was a popular import. Shops near the forum bear inscriptions detailing their wares, including iron rings, hoes, anvils, and axes, iron or copper cauldrons, and copper jugs, plates, and cups.

The Norici minted their own small coins and tetradrachms. At the beginning, coins were of the “Kuglereiter” type that had a head on one side and a horse and rider on the other. These were replaced by small silver coins that had a head on the obverse and a three-line cross on the reverse.

Kugelreiter type tetradrachm from Noricum, Obverse featuring a wreathed and diademed head, Reverse featuring a rider on horseback wearing a headdress. Circa 170-150 BC. 21mm, 12.09 g.

Tombs of the Norican-Pannonian style were characterized by a central stone chamber and stone-lined access tunnel that was covered by an earthen mound. These were typically arranged in groups in lowland areas and contained burials of cremated elites. Female burials were typically equipped with fibulae, belts, and other elements of the Norican-Pannonian dress set. Male burials were sometimes accompanied by carts or chariots, hunting weapons, glass urns and drinking vessels, and fine dishes. Immediately before Roman conquest, flat cremation burials predominated in the region.

The Norican-Pannonian dress style consisted of metal belt sets, winged fibulae, a long-sleeved bodice and underskirt, and a sleeveless over-tunic fastened at the shoulders with brooches and a bonnet-like headdress in depictions of adult women. This style was depicted as female dress on funerary monument in Noricum dating to the 1st-3rd centuries BC. The names of female individuals depicted in this style of dress are exclusively native. Men, on the other hand, are typically depicted wearing the traditional Roman toga. It is possible that the Norican-Pannonian style of dress was a demonstration of female identity in compliance with Roman provincial society, or perhaps a tacit resistance to the reduction of female status that occurred from the incorporation of Noricum into Roman society.

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