| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| State: | Saxony-Anhalt |
| Adm. Region: | Dessau |
| Capital: | Köthen |
| Area: | 480.40 km² |
| Inhabitants: | 68,906 (2002) |
| pop. density: | 143 inh./km² |
| Car identification: | KÖT |
| Homepage: | Map |
Köthen is a district (Kreis) in the middle of Saxony-Anhalt, Germany. Neighboring districts are (from north clockwise) Anhalt-Zerbst, Schönebeck, Anhalt-Zerbst, the district-free city Dessau, Bitterfeld, Saalkreis and Bernburg.
| Table of contents |
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2 Geography 3 Partnerships 4 Coat of arms 5 Towns and municipalities 6 External links |
In 1603 the principality of Anhalt-Köthen was created, when the principality Anhalt was split in five parts. In 1665 it merged with Anhalt-Plötzkau, and in 1807 it became a duchy. 1847 it was divided between Anhalt-Dessau and Anhalt-Bernburg, and in 1853 it was merged with Anhalt-Dessau to form the Duchy of Anhalt-Dessau-Köthen.
When in 1863 all of the previous parts of Anhalt were reunited, the district was created. At first the district Dessau-Köthen did cover the area around the two district-free cities Dessau and Köthen. In 1950 the city Köthen was added to the district, and it was renamed after its capital.
History
Geography
The district is located in the Magdeburger Börde, with soft hills from the moraines from the last ice age. The river Elbe forms part of the northern boundary of the district.
| The left half of the coat of arms shows a wing, which was the symbol of the family Von Cöthen, who probably founded the castle Köthen in the 12th century. The family became extinct in the 14th century. The right side shows a palm, which is the symbol of the palm order (however their official name was Fruchtbringenden Gesellschaft - fruit growing society). This order was founded by Prince Ludwig of Anhalt-Köthen in 1617, and was an association of nobles, scientists and poets. Their main goal was the care of the german language. However the society already dissolved in 1680. |
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