The Taurisci were Celtic peoples of the Eastern Alps, in the area of today's Austria and Slovenia. They formed the core of the kingdom of Noricum.
Their iron was famous: the ferrum Noricum was considered one of the best of the ancient world and was highly sought after in Rome – ideal for blades and tools. The trading site on the Magdalensberg testifies to this wealth.
For a long time Noricum kept close trade and alliance ties with Rome, until it was peacefully incorporated into the empire around 15 BC. Celtic culture lived on in the Roman province for a long time.
"Harder than Noric iron."after Horace, Odes (public domain, own translation)
The Taurisci were a Celtic confederation in the Eastern Alps and their foreland, in the area of today's Carinthia, Styria and Slovenia. From their union arose the important kingdom of Noricum – an early ally of Rome.
World-famous was their ferrum Noricum, the Noric iron. Thanks to special ores and refined smithing it was regarded as the best steel of the ancient world – ideal for weapons. Even Roman poets like Horace praised the hardness of Noric blades.
On the Magdalensberg in Carinthia a flourishing trade centre arose where Celts and Roman merchants did business – long before Rome formally annexed the region. Here the Noric iron was traded and worked.
Unlike many peoples Noricum was not conquered in a bloody war: around 15 BC Rome incorporated the kingdom largely peacefully, so close were the trade ties already. From the Celtic kingdom came the Roman province of Noricum.
The Taurisci link craft, trade and history – their iron armed half the ancient world. At GLANZ & GRAVUR, where material and craft are central, we especially like to tell such stories.
The Taurisci lead into the Celtic world of the Alps. Continue with the Vindelici and Boii.
The Vindelici · The Boii · Celtic Princely Graves · The Celtic Warriors · The Insubres.
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