Coriantum was a prominent Jaredite king, esteemed for his righteous leadership and grand architectural achievements. He was the son of King Emer, a ruler celebrated for his just reign and for having witnessed the metaphorical ‘Son of Righteousness.’ Bearing the legacy of his father’s virtues, Coriantum ascended to the throne following Emer, who expressly anointed him as king to ensure the continuance of wise governance in the land (Ether 9:21). Throughout his rule, Coriantum emulated his father’s commitment to justice and welfare, reportedly building numerous mighty cities and conscientiously administering to the needs of his people (Ether 9:23).
Despite the prosperity and calm that characterized much of his reign, Coriantum faced personal tribulations, particularly in his family life. He and his first wife did not have children for many years, an unusual occurrence in an era when lineage and posterity were highly valued. Only after his wife’s death at the age of 102 did Coriantum remarry, this time to a younger woman with whom he fathered several sons and daughters well into his advanced age (Ether 9:23-24). The longevity of the king was extraordinary, as Coriantum lived to be 142 years old, witnessing not only the expansion of his kingdom but also the continuation of his line through his children (Ether 9:24). His son Com eventually succeeded him, preserving the dynastic order that was integral to the Jaredite political system (Ether 9:25).