Zemgale
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Zemgale, also known under Latinized names Semigalia or Semigallia (Latvian: Zemgale; German: Semgallen; Lithuanian: Žiemgala) is an historical region of Latvia, sometimes also including a part of Lithuania. The region takes its name from the Baltic people known as Semigallians. Semigalia lies left of the Daugava River and borders Selonia, Lithuania, and Courland.
Within Latvia, Semigalia has the status of one of five cultural regions. It lies in the middle of the southern part of the Republic of Latvia, and consists of Bauska, Dobele, and Jelgava counties (rajons). The land is mostly flat. The Lielupe is the most important river after the Daugava. Important towns are Jelgava, the former capital of the Duchy of Courland and Semigalia, and Bauska.
In the Middle Ages Semigalia was included within Courland and passed with that territory to Latvia after World War I.
The region of Selonia is often included as part of Semigalia. Selonia comprises the eastern part of the 1939 province of Semigalia, an area completely located south of the Daugava River. Traditional Selonia also includes a portion of northeastern Lithuania. It takes its name from the Baltic tribe of the Selonians.
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