In the early Middle Ages it belonged to the Carolingian Emsgau,[3] but after the foreign counts were expelled, it was able to establish itself as an independent Frisian regional community in the 13th century.

[4][5] In the south, some Saxon settlements also joined the cooperatively organized regional community.

[6] It was probably divided into regional quarters, each of which sent four representatives to the Council of Sixteen of the Overledingerland,[3] whose main meeting place was probably Backemoor.

[7] Due to the economic conditions,[3] however, the Overledingerland was not able to develop such a strong position as the Brokmerland, the Harlingerland or the Jeverland managed to do further north.

[8] The independence ended in the 15th century with the rule of the city of Hamburg and the East Frisian chieftains.