Ostrogothia, or Östergötland, is a historical Province or landskap in the south of Sweden. It borders to Smalandia, Westrogothia, Nericia, Sudermannia and to the Baltic Sea.
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Östergötland County has virtually the same boundaries as the province of Ostrogothia.
Togeather Östergötland (Ostrogothia) and Västergötland (Westrogothia) constitutes Götaland proper. Götaland was one of the constituent lands at the unification into one Swedish kingdom in the Middle Ages.
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.
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."
County
For current affairs see: Östergötland CountyHistory
Main article: History of OstrogothiaGeography
Main article: Geography of OstrogothiaCulture
Main article: Culture of OstrogothiaHeraldry
Main article: Heraldry of OstrogothiaExternal links