Tavastia (historical province)

Tavastia (Old Norse: Tafæistaland; Swedish: Tavastland; Finnish: Häme; also called Yam (Ямь) or Yem (Емь) in Russian sources)[1][2] is a historical province in the south of Finland.

Today the area is called Häme region and it is located in the southwestern section of the historical Tavastia province.

[3] The Tavastians are mentioned for the first time in a Viking Age runestone, which is located in present-day Gävle, Sweden (Gs 13).

Numerous prehistoric weapons, like Ulfberht swords, and hillforts have been unearthed in the Tavastia region, indicative of its rich historical significance.

After the peace Treaty of Nöteborg in 1323 the castle lost some of its importance as a defence against the East but remained an administrative centre.

The most notable industrial center in historical Tavastia, however, is Tampere, where a number of large textile mills and metal factories have been operating since the early 19th century.

As a result of the original pattern of settlement, the inhabited areas are located around the waterways, fields encircling especially the largest lakes.

Blazon: "Gules, a lynx passant or, ear tufts sable; in chief three mullets of six, in base four roses, all argent".