Selonians
Selonians (latvian:Sēļi) were a tribe of Baltic peoples. The Selonians lived until the 15th century in Selonia, located in southeastern Latvia and northeastern Lithuania. They merged with neighbouring tribes, contributing to the ethnogenesis of Latvians and Lithuanians. They spoke in Selonian language.
Selonians were Eastern Balts, but very little is known about them. Scare archaeological and historic data determined that this region is often characterized as a "scarcely populated land". In writtern sources they are mentioned only few times. Chronicle of Henry of Livonia mentions Selonians in the beginning of 13th. century when they were conquered and christened. Author of the chronicle calls Selonians as Lithuanian allies.[1] Their lands was subjects of Principalities of Jersika and Koknese. Southern lands however were ruled by Lithuanian dukes. In 1207 German Brothers of Sword together with their Livonian and Letgallian allies besieged main Selonian centre Sēlpils castle. Reason for attack were german claims, that Sēlpils castle is used as main Lithuanian support base for their attacks in Livonia. After long siege Selonians agreed to baptism and german rule.[2] Selonians is last time mentioned in written sources in 15th. century.
Archeological data can trace Selonians back to the beginning of 1st millennium AD when they lived on both sides of Daugava river.[3] But since 6th. and 7th. centuries their settlements can be traced only on left bank of the river. Selonian culture had very strong Lettgallian influence. Selonian and Lettgallian burial traditions shows little diference. Some scholars speculate that in the late iron age Selonians already was partly assimilated by Lettgallians.[4]
[edit] References
- ^ http://www.historia.lv/raxti/Seelji_LME.htm
- ^ Indriķa hronika. Ā. Feldhūna tulk., Ē. Mugurēviča priekšvārds un komentāri. Rīga: Zinātne, 1993. 453 lpp.
- ^ http://www.istorija.lt/la/simniskyte2005en.html
- ^ Šnore E., Zariņa A. Senā Sēlpils. Rīga: Zinātne, 1980. 236 lpp.
[edit] See also
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