chiefdom · France and the Low Countries

Morini

300 BCE – 55 BCE (approx.)

Coastal people of the Pas-de-Calais, called by Virgil the farthest of men, from whose harbour Caesar sailed to invade Britain.

Origins

The Morini, whose name means people of the sea, lived along the Channel coast from the Somme to the Scheldt, in a land of dunes, marshes and forest. They joined the Belgic coalition of 57 BCE.

Rule and society

They lived by farming, herding and salt-making, and took refuge in forests and marshes rather than defending oppida. Their coast was the shortest crossing to Britain.

Decline and legacy

Caesar campaigned against them in 56 and 55 BCE and sailed for Britain from Portus Itius in their land, probably Boulogne. Under Rome their capital was Tarvenna (Thérouanne), while Gesoriacum (Boulogne) became the base of the Roman Channel fleet.

Connections (1)

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Cite this page
APA
The Epoch Institute. (2026). Morini. In The Epoch Institute States Register. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/morini
MLA
“Morini.” The Epoch Institute States Register, The Epoch Institute, 2026, https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/morini. Accessed .
Chicago
The Epoch Institute. “Morini.” The Epoch Institute States Register. 2026. https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/morini.
Harvard
The Epoch Institute (2026) ‘Morini’, The Epoch Institute States Register. Available at: https://the-epoch-institute.org/state/morini (Accessed: ).

Last reviewed October 2026Random state ↻