The phase diagram of the Ce-Ru system has been investigated using differential thermal analysis, metallographic analysis, X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy. The ruthenium-rich side (75-100 at.% Ru) has not been studied owing to the high melting temperature. The compounds Ce7Ru3 (Th7Fe3 type) and CeRu2 (MgCu2 type) have been confirmed; Ce3Ru not previously known was found to crystallize with the Fe3C structure type. Moreover, two new intermetallics have been found, i.e. Ce16Ru9 and Ce4Ru3 which are new structure types. None of these phases exhibits appreciable ranges of solid solubility. Additions of ruthenium do not significantly affect the transition temperature of cerium. The Ce-Ru phase diagram is rather different from those of the neighbouring rare earths lanthanum and neodymium, indicating once more an anomalous behaviour for cerium.