Ostrogothia: Meaning (information, definition, explanation, facts)

Ostrogothia (Östergötland) is a historical Province (landskap) in the south of Sweden. It borders Smalandia, Westrogothia, Nericia, Sudermannia and the Baltic Sea.

County

For current affairs see: Östergötland County

Östergötland County has virtually the same boundaries as the province of Ostrogothia.

Main article: History of Ostrogothia

Chartered cities before 1971:

• Linköping (1287)
• Mjölby (1922)
• Motala (1881)
• Norrköping (1384)
• Skänninge (approximately 1200)
• Söderköping (approximately 1200)
• Vadstena (approximately 1400)

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.

Main article: Geography of Ostrogothia

• Highest mountain: Stenabohöjden 327 meters
• Largest lake: Vättern

The eastern part of Göta canal traverses the province from the Baltic sea at Mem to lake Vättern at Motala.

Main 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.

Main 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."

Since 1772, Swedish Princes have been created Dukes of various provinces. This is solely a nominal title.

• Prince Fredrik Adolf (from 1772 until his death in 1803)
• Prince Oscar (from his birth in 1829 until he became King in 1872)
• Prince Carl Jr (from his birth in 1911 until his loss of succession rights in 1937)