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.

History

Main article: History of Ostrogothia

The traditions of Ostrogothia date back into the viking age, the undocumented iron age, and before, when this region had its own laws and kings (see Geatish kings and Wulfings). The region kept its own laws, or Östgötalagen, into the middle ages 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

Main article: Geography of Ostrogothia

Ostrogothia was historically divided into chartered cities and into hundreds.

Cities

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

Hundreds

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

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

Culture

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.

Heraldry

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."

Dukes of Ostrogothia

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)

External links

• Östergötland - Tourist site
• Ekenäs Castle
• Löfstad Castle