Corinium

Corinium refers to the ancient Roman town later known as Cirencester, in what is now Gloucestershire, England. It was the civitas capital of the Dobunni tribe and became one of Roman Britain's most important urban centers. Its location along major routes, including the Fosse Way, connected Corinium to other settlements and facilitated administration, trade, and military movement.

The settlement was established in the late 1st century CE and grew through the 2nd and 3rd centuries to host public buildings such as a forum, basilica, and baths, as well as temples and a network of streets. The town minted coins and carried inscriptions that reflect its civic identity. By the 4th century, Roman urban life declined as administration contracted and military presence reduced; the site was gradually absorbed into the post-Roman landscape, and the medieval town of Cirencester later developed nearby.

In contemporary times, Corinium is primarily remembered through archaeology and heritage institutions. Excavations have revealed substantial remains, and the Corinium Museum in Cirencester houses a collection of artifacts from the Roman town and its surroundings, including mosaics, inscriptions, and everyday objects. The discoveries have aided reconstruction of the town’s layout and daily life in Roman Britain.