The Coritani, or Corieltauvi, were one of the Celtic tribes living in the British Islands, previous to the Roman invasion of Britain. The tribe lived in central England, namely in the modern counties of Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Northamptonshire. Their capital acquired the Roman name of Ratae Coritanorum (or Ratae Corieltavorum), known today as Leicester.

This tribe was relatively recent when Romans invaded Britain in 43 AD. Evidence suggest that the Coritani were a federation resultant from the amalgamation of several peoples living the in the East Midlands. They were a people of farmers, often raided by neighbouring tribes, such as the Brigantes. For this reason, the Coritani did not resist Roman occupation and became quickly Romanised after the conquest of their capital in 44. The legion IX Hispana was nevertheless garrisoned in Ratae. Governor Ostorius Scapula made an alliance with them and protected the Coritani from other Celtic tribes.

The Coritani rulers are known only by issued coinage.

See also: List of Celtic tribes

External link

• Comprehensive information on Roman Britain (http://www.roman-britain.org)