a province of the Roman empire, corresponding to portions of Austria and Bavaria, was bounded on the N. by the Danube, on the W. by Vindelicia and Rhaetia, on the S. by Italy and Pannonia, and on the E. by Pannonia. Its name was probably derived from Norcia, the ancient capital. It was a mountainous country, traversed by the Alpes Noricæ and other ridges extending from east to west. The valleys between these chains were watered by the Dravus (Drave) and other tributaries of the Danube. Yet, on account of the numerous marshes and forests, the soil was not very fertile. The most noted products were mineral. Large quantities of iron were exported to supply the manufactories of arms in Northern Italy, Mersia, and Pannonia; salt was abundant; and even gold, according to Polybius, as quoted by Strabo, was at one time found.

The country, though alleged to have been for a long time under the government of a king, was divided into several distinct tribes of Celtic origin. Of these the best known were the Norici, who were anciently called the Taurisci; and the Boi, who are said by Caesar to have emigrated from Boiohemnum about 85 B.C. But after the district had been conquered by the generals of Augustus about 13 B.C., the various tribes seem to have lost their individuality, and Noricum itself was reduced into the form of a Roman province. The face of the land also began to assume a new aspect. The fens were drained, the forests were cut down, the climate became milder, and the valleys waved with rich harvests. Several Roman roads traversed the country; and three Roman fleets on the Danube kept back the marauding barbarians of the north. Colonies also were founded, which in course of time became well known under the names of Celcia (Cilly), Virunum, Juavavum or Juvavia (Salzburg), Lauriacum (Lorch), and Boedurum (Innsbruck).