Ostrogothia
Ostrogothia (
Östergötland) is a historical
Province (
landskap) in the south of
Sweden. It borders
Smalandia,
Westrogothia,
Nericia,
Sudermannia and the
Baltic Sea.
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County
\nFor current affairs see: Östergötland County
Östergötland County has virtually the same boundaries as the province of Ostrogothia.
History
\nMain article: History of Ostrogothia
Chartered cities before
1971:
Its tradition goes back into the undocumented
iron age and
viking age prehistory, when this region had its own king and law. The region kept its own laws
Östgötalagen, into the medieval times and the unification of Sweden. Traditionally, the region is divided into two halves, east and west of the river
Stångån, which flows from the south into lake
Roxen at
Linköping.
Geography
\nMain article: Geography of Ostrogothia
- Highest mountain: Stenabohöjden 327 meters\n*Largest lake: Vättern
The eastern part of Göta canal traverses the province from the
Baltic sea at Mem to lake
Vättern at
Motala.
Culture
\nMain article: Culture of Ostrogothia
In Ostrogothia, Östgötska, the eastern variety of the Götaland dialect of
Swedish is spoken. However some parts, bordering to
Sudermannia, adhere to the
Svealand dialect. "Östergötland", literally means Eastern Götaland.
Ekenäs Castle, one of the best preserved
renaissance castles in Sweden, has belonged to the families
Sture and
Banér. Löfstad Castle has its origin in the early
17th century having belonged to the von Fersen family. Vadstena Castle, built by the
Vasa dynasty
1545-
1620, is combined fortress and renaissance castle.
Heraldry
\nMain article: Heraldry of Ostrogothia
From 1560 Ostrogothia was represented with two separate arms until
1884 when the current one was granted. The arms is represented with a dukal coronet. Blazon: "Gules a Griffin with Dragon Wings, Tail and Tongue rampant Or armed, beaked, langued and membered Azure between four Roses Argent."
Dukes of Ostrogothia
\nSince 1772, Swedish Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces. This is solely a nominal title.\n* Prince Fredrik Adolf (from
1772 until his death in
1803)\n*
Prince Oscar (from his birth in
1829 until he became King in
1872)\n*
Prince Carl Jr (from his birth in
1911 until his loss of succession rights in
1937)
External links
\n*Östergötland - Tourist site\n*
Ekenäs Castle\n*
Löfstad Castle
\nCategory:Provinces of Sweden\nCategory:Östergötland\n
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