The Regni, also known as the Regini or Regnenses, were a Celtic group that lived in Britain before the Romans arrived. Later, they became a Roman administrative area in southern Britain. They lived in what is now Sussex, as well as small parts of Hampshire, Surrey, and Kent. Their main area was at Noviomagus Reginorum, which is now called Chichester.

Territory

Most people agree that the Regni tribe lived in the area that later became Sussex. Sometimes, Surrey was also part of the Regni’s area, but other times it was part of the Atrebates’ area to the north. However, evidence from archaeologists shows that the area north of the Weald had differences compared to the south, suggesting Surrey was not usually part of the Regni’s territory.

The Regni were surrounded by other tribes: the Belgae to the west, the Atrebates to the north, and the Cantiaci to the east. To the south and east, across the English Channel, was Gaul, where other tribes lived, including the Caletes, Veliocasses, Catuslugi, Ambiani, and Morini.

Name

The tribe’s history is connected to the city of Chichester. During the Roman era, Chichester was a Civitas Capital, meaning it was a small city that governed a nearby tribal area. Maps often show the Atrebates as the tribe that lived in Chichester, but the city’s name suggests the Regini may have been in control instead.

Chichester’s Roman name, Noviomagus Reginorum, is commonly translated as “New Market.” However, the meaning of Reginorum has been discussed by scholars. At first, it was thought to mean “The People of the Kingdom,” referring to a region controlled by Cogidubnus. Comparing this to other Roman cities shows a different pattern. For example, the Durotriges tribe’s capital in Dorset, called Durotrigium, matches the tribe’s name. Similar naming patterns appear in other cities, such as Atrebatum (Silchester) for the Atrebates and Belgarum (Winchester) for the Belgae. Using this pattern, Chichester’s name likely means “New Market, Land of the Regini.” The word Regni is believed to come from a Brythonic language word meaning “proud ones” or “stiff ones.”

The name of this group is not completely certain. Ptolemy wrote about the Ρηγνοι (Latin: Regni), whose only city was Νοιομαγος (Noiomagus). This is likely the same place as Navimago Regentium or Noviomagus Regionorum, from which the name Regnenses appears in some sources. Chichester is generally believed to be this location. The Antonine Itinerary mentions a place called Regno at the end of Roman Road 7, possibly near the coast of the Solent. Some scholars prefer Ptolemy’s name, Regni, or the Brythonic name Regini, over Regnenses.

Background

By the Middle Iron Age (around 250 BC), the hillforts on the northern and southern edges of the South Downs, such as Chanctonbury Ring and Highdown Hill, were no longer used. They were replaced by fewer, more impressive hillforts located on the Downs, including those at Caburn, Cissbury, and the Trundle. Unlike in the Wessex region to the west, there were few settlements near these hillforts. These structures were likely built as monuments to unite local communities and help them feel a stronger connection to one another. At the same time, the coastal plain to the west of modern-day Brighton was resettled. By the end of the Middle Iron Age (around 100 BC), the hillforts on the downs had been abandoned, and more settlements appeared on the coastal plain.

Late Iron Age (c. 100 BC – early 1st century)

The Regni were likely a group of native tribes influenced by the Belgae. The quick appearance of new coin designs suggests that some tribes in southeast Britain might have been controlled by a Belgic elite and adopted parts of their culture as early as 100–80 BC. The spread of Aylesford-Swarling pottery in southeast Britain has been linked to the Belgae; however, recent studies suggest that migration may not have been as important as once thought, with trade connections playing a larger role, though this is still uncertain.

The Regni entered a period of historical records around 75 BC, with the creation of written documents and the growth of a literate society, along with a more complex economy. Movements of groups were no longer tracked only through pottery but also through coins, showing increased literacy, the grouping of cultures in specific areas, and the use of money for trading extra goods. Pressures from tribes on the Continent and Roman conquests in Gaul led rebellious groups to cross the sea to find unclaimed lands, especially where local leaders resisted Roman rule. This likely marked the first "invasion" of Sussex, though few details about battles or conquests are known. The Gallo-Belgic tribes, also called Celts, became part of the existing social structure rather than replacing it. Even during the Roman period, early Neolithic people lived alongside Iron Age residents in Sussex. Commius of the Atrebates, who arrived in Britain around 52 BC, brought a level of civilization influenced by Rome. The Atrebates settled in areas including Hampshire, Wiltshire, and parts of eastern Sussex, with some regions under the Catuvellauni by 25 BC.

After the initial "conquest" and changes in power, Sussex became more stable. The Atrebates’ influence reached the Ouse River and parts of the Weald, while tribes in northeast and Kent remained defensive, with Mount Caburn as a strongly fortified town. The new ruling class stopped using large hill-forts like those at Trundle and Cissbury, instead favoring advanced cities on the coastal plain, especially in the Selsey-Chichester area, which has since been worn away by the sea.

The Regni tribe’s settlements were located in West Sussex, near the River Lavant and between the Arun and Adur rivers. A notable site is the Major Oppidum (City) in Chichester, along with the Selsey/Mixon rocks. The Cymenshore/Mixon rocks were likely underwater by the 7th or 8th century AD. A significant site is the Romano-Belgic Palace at Fishbourne, which included a coin mint and shrine at Ratham, as well as ironworks at Boxgrove. The discovery of the Mystery Atrebate Warrior and the burial of the North Bersted Man at Bersted adds to the Regni’s history.

Trade and fishing were common at a small enclosure in Pagham, while Climping was a major trade center. Coldharbour, at the mouth of the Arun River, uncovered a Roman hoard and gold and silver Celtic coins. The Romano-Belgic Villa at Bognor and another trade center at Tortington also produced gold and silver Celtic coins. Arundel was a large Iron Age settlement, with large enclosures at Rewell Wood, which was one of Europe’s largest settlements in the late Bronze Age. A Romano-Belgic Villa was found at Bignor, and a small number of silver Celtic coins were discovered at Coldharbour, south of Stoke.

Settlement enclosures at Warningcamp may be connected to the Rewell Wood tribes, while the Burpham area had Iron Age artifacts, burial bones, and earthworks. The trade inlet at Nutbourne and Bosham, near Chichester Harbour, also produced gold and silver Celtic coins. Wittering, now underwater, was another trade center at Chichester Harbour, and Tournerbury hill fort is near the Solent shoreline on Hayling Island, where Iron Age and Roman pottery was found.

Rowlands Castle showed signs of Romano-British pottery, bricks, and tiles, thanks to nearby clay. Goosehill Camp had multiple hillforts on sloping land near the Sussex Downs. The Apple Down/Kingley Vale Ancient Forest is one of Europe’s oldest forests, with yew trees over 2,000 years old—some of the oldest living things in Britain.

The Trundle hillfort is on St. Roche’s Hill, a prominent hill on the southern edge of the Sussex Downs. In Chilgrove, Bronze Age and Roman earthworks, cross dykes, and an ancient field system were found. Funtington had trade activities along the River Lavant, along with earthworks, cross dykes, a camp, and a field system, and a small number of gold and silver Celtic coins were discovered. Keynor was an inland trade point that has since been covered by silt.

The Regni expanded into the Weald, farming and using iron for weapons and tools. Evidence of these industrial sites shows a growing division of labor before the Roman period, along with a developing hierarchy among leaders who lived in ways similar to the Romans, creating peace in their areas. Textile production was more common than leatherwork, supported by salt producers along the Selsey coast, showing a strong trading economy that improved living standards for leaders. They used cremation and organized burial sites instead of older burial customs, though their connection to Druidic groups in the late Iron Age is unclear. Information about the Atrebates’ social customs is limited and may be influenced by Roman writers.

Descriptions by Tacitus compared southeast Britons to their Gaulish neighbors: brave but hesitant in battle, fond of using woad for body paint, and possibly open to polyandry, though this is uncertain. Julius Caesar’s account of the

Client kingdom (early-late 1st century)

After the first phase of the conquest, the Romans kept a client kingdom that seemed independent. This kingdom may have acted as a buffer between the Roman province in the east and the unconquered tribes to the west. Scholars have debated how large this territory was, and its ruler was likely Tiberius Claudius Cogidubnus or Cogidumnus.

The only tribal area Cogidubnus definitely ruled was the Regni. The Roman writer Tacitus wrote that "certain civitates were given to King Cogidumnus" and noted his loyalty. Some scholars believe he also ruled the civitates of the Belgae and the Atrebates. Miles Russell suggested the kingdom may have stretched north to the south and east Midlands and west to Bath. John Creighton argues the kingdom reached the Midlands and claims Cogidubnus’s ancestors formed a Southern dynasty of kings who ruled a Roman client kingdom from the early 1st century.

A first-century inscription found in Chichester provides his Latin names, showing he was given Roman citizenship by Claudius or Nero. Cogidubnus may have been related to Verica, the Atrebatian king whose defeat led to the Roman conquest. After his death, the kingdom was likely absorbed into the Roman province and divided into regions like the Regni, Atrebates, and Belgae.

The idea that Cogidubnus held the title legatus (a rank reserved for senators) comes from a damaged inscription in Chichester, which some reconstructed to read "king and imperial legate in Britain." However, the inscription more likely read "great king of Britain."

Romancivitas(late 1st century—c.410 AD)

After Cogidubnus died around 80 AD, the region became part of the Roman Empire directly. The area was governed as a Roman civitas, with its capital at Noviomagus. It had several ports, Roman roads, and villas. Important roads included the route north-east from Noviomagus, which crossed the Thames at Londinium (modern-day London), known to the Saxons as Stane Street. A road ran east from Noviomagus to Novus Portus (likely modern-day Portslade), and another road ran north-west to Calleva Atrebatum (modern Silchester), the capital of the neighboring civitas of the Atrebates. Another road connected modern-day Lewes to Londinium. The Sussex Greensand Way linked the Chichester-London and Lewes-London routes.

In the late 3rd century, after attacks occurred on both sides of the English Channel, the Romans built a series of forts across the Channel, including the fort of Anderitum (modern Pevensey) in the civitas of the Regni.

A large iron-producing industry existed in the vast forest called the Sylva Anderida (modern Weald). This included the third-largest ironworks in the entire Roman Empire, located at Beauport Park near Hastings.

Post-Roman era (c. 410 AD – 7th century)

After Roman soldiers left Britain to go to Gaul in 407, Roman control over Britain ended. In the area once known as the Regni, the Kingdom of Sussex began to form over the next 50 years. This is traditionally believed to have started in 477 AD with the arrival of King Aelle and his three sons from across the sea. However, some historians question whether Aelle actually existed, and the arrival of the South Saxons may have occurred closer to 450 AD. A collection of Roman coins, called the Patching Hoard, was hidden around 475 AD, which is the latest known hoard of Roman coins in Britain.

According to Michael Shapland, the western part of the Regni area, located west of the River Arun, likely kept the culture of the Celtic British people for many years, even after Sussex became a kingdom. This region may have been a separate or smaller kingdom. Some kings of Sussex had names that were common among the Celtic people, such as Æthelwealh. The choice of Selsey Abbey, which was on an island called Selsey at the time, seems similar to other early Christian centers like Lindisfarne, Glastonbury, and Iona. These locations were in areas where Celtic kingdoms remained after the Romans left. The design of Sussex’s cathedral appears to reflect connections to the Celtic British Church, suggesting possible Celtic origins.

Religion

There are many shrines in the area, especially at places like Hayling Island, Lancing Down, and Westhampnett. There was also a temple at Chanctonbury Ring, which may have been connected to a religious group that worshipped wild boars.

Cremation, or burning the dead, was practiced in the Regni tribal area by the 70s BC. This practice was even older at the major burial site in Westhampnett.

In south-eastern Britain, coins have been found that mix Roman symbols with local designs. These coins, made by the Regni tribe in West Sussex, show the goddess Roma. These symbols help explain how the Regni rulers saw themselves and provide information about past political events. The image of Roma on the coins was influenced by Greek art styles and was created for Roman coins in 211 BC. It represents Rome as a political power, including its city, people, and expansion. Roma was different from other goddesses like Diana or Minerva because she was not linked to myths or ancient gods. The image of Roma wears a helmet, similar to Diana and Minerva, but has unique features like a special helmet with a gryphon crest and flowing hair that looks like wings.

Artists in Gaul and Britain chose to include these specific details in their designs. The Regni tribe’s version of Roma on their coins added local elements, similar to how Roma was shown in Rome and how Diana and Minerva were depicted.

Coins from the Commios Ladder head silver units (30–45 BC) show a Celtic goddess of fertility with a unique face, including a lentoid eye, round cheeks, and a large chin. Her long hair looks like the moon, and circular goat horns float above her head. A flower is placed near her, and turning the coin reveals a snake. This design combines a moon goddess with a horned serpent, likely representing Cernunnos, and may show the Great Queen of the Atrebates and Regni tribes. This mix of symbols highlights her many roles and authority.

The Selsey Diadem gold quarter stater (55–50 BC) shows a goddess wearing a crown with a moon symbol and two braids near her ears. The coin also has a horse and foal, a wheel, and a flower. Moon crowns were not only used by the Regni tribe. Roman coins from the Republic also show female heads with crescent crowns, similar to modern tiaras. A Roman coin from 56 BC with a moon crown may have inspired the Regni’s design. Epona, a Gallo-Roman goddess linked to horses, was believed to guide souls in the afterlife, much like the goddess Rhiannon in the Mabinogion. Rhiannon, like Epona, is often shown with her son Pryderi as a horse and foal, connecting her to Epona.

The Sussex Helmet silver unit (60–20 BC) shows a goddess wearing a helmet, possibly an early version of Roma, since such images are rare. In Britain, images of Roma may have combined with local religious symbols to show unique features. The god worshipped by the Regni people may have been connected to the Roman goddess Minerva, as suggested by an inscription on a stone found at a shrine dedicated to Neptune and Minerva in Noviomagus Reginorum, now known as Chichester.

The Ashdown Forest Helmet silver unit (50–40 BC) shows a goddess in a helmet with horns and a boar-bristled crest. It also has a large lentoid eye, similar to a bronze helmet found near Waterloo Bridge in the Thames. It seems the Roman Attic helmet with a gryphon crest was replaced by a local style. The small bronze Waterloo Bridge helmet was likely used for ceremonies, not combat, like ancient bronze shields. Some believe its size suggests it may have decorated a wooden statue of a Celtic god.

The Sussex Lyre silver unit (55–45 BC) shows a goddess with a pointed nose, wearing a neck torc and curly hair, possibly representing Trisantona, linked to the River Arun. On the other side, a horse with a zigzag tail, a spoked wheel, and a lyre is shown. The lyre was used by Celtic bards from the 8th century BC and later called the lyra during the Roman period. Made of wood and bone, the lyre had strings made from animal intestines. Though the Gauls and Britons adopted it from the Greeks, they valued it as a symbol of their musical traditions and used it in religious rituals.

The Chichester Goddess silver unit (50–30 BC) shows a goddess with an oval eye, long pointed nose, thin lips, and flowing hair. She wears a honeycomb crown and a duck-shaped helmet with a serpent-like creature. Ducks in Celtic myths symbolize femininity, divinity, and otherworldly powers, linked to the goddess Sequana and the River Seine. The front of the coin shows a horse with three tails and a boar below, connected to Moccus, the boar god of the Lingones tribe. Boar meat was sacred to the Celts and appeared in their feasts. The Lingones were a Gaulish tribe near the Seine and Marne rivers in France, neighboring the Treveri tribe. Another Lingones group in northern Italy specialized in farming, weaving, and metalworking.

The Regni people turned the idea of a city’s personification into a clear and symbolic image. This change shows how a city’s representation could become important in ceremonies and stories. British Brigantia and the Icenian personification are examples of this. Similarly, the Romans honored Roma and Augustus by building an altar in Lugdunum (Lyon) in 10 BC, making it a center for the imperial cult in the Gallic provinces.

In the 1st century BC, many leaders in Gaul made silver coins showing Roma’s head. These local versions had small differences from the original image, showing how they adapted it to fit their regions. For example, a Gallic torc necklace might be added, or the gryphon crest on Roma’s helmet could be changed or removed, like replacing it with a horsehair or boar-bristle crest in Britain. Some coins also removed Roma’s wings or used different designs instead.

All the coins shown were made before 50 BC by wealthy allies of the Roman state. The Aedui, Sequani, and Lingones changed their political systems early in the 1st century BC, creating structures similar to the Roman government. Julius Caesar and his successors called the Gallic tribes "civitates," the Latin word for organized political groups. The helmeted head on Roman coins also symbolized a city or region.