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Sakala County (Estonian: Sakala, Latin: Saccalia)[1] was an ancient Estonian county [2] first mentioned in print by Henry of Livonia in the beginning of the 13th Century.[3]
It is situated in north-western Livonia, covering approximately the present territories of Viljandi, the southern half of Pärnu, and a western third of Valga maakond.
Kievan rule of Ugaunia may have lasted until 1061, when, according to Old East Slavic chronicles, the town of Tharbata/Yuryev (Tartu) was burned down by "Sosols", who were probably either Sackalians or the people of Soopoolitse.
After the Livonian Crusade the county became a part of the Livonian Confederation.
In Sackalian folklore, the neighbouring Ugaunians (ugalased) were enemy warriors and robbers. For instance, a folk song from Viljandi (the capital of Sackalia) calls for speeding up the harvest work because Ugaunians might attack.
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