Finland

Finland until the mid-12th century was a relatively undisturbed area of Scandinavia until the first crusade to the area in 1155.

In the 13th century, the old capital of Turku was founded. By this point Finland was attracting the attention of Sweden and Russia, and by 1323 southern and western Finland was controlled by the Swedes and the east (Karelia) by the Russians.

In the south and the west, the Swedish style of government and laws were established, and the main language used was Swedish and not the native Finnish.

From 1387, the Kalmar Union was formed, uniting with Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Iceland to create a single kingdom. However, by 1523 the union was dissolved, and the reformation reached Finland. Finland became predominantly Lutheran.

By 1548, the Bishop of Turku, Mikael Agricola translated the New Testament of the bible into Finnish, at the same time creating the first known written example of the language. Nearly a century later in 1642, the entire bible was translated into Finnish.

In 1550, Helsinki, the modern-day capital of Finland was founded. At the time, however, it was a fishing village.

In matters of medieval clothing, Finland is probably best known for the Eura women's gown reconstruction, from approximately 1000 CE. It it believed to have consisted of an underdress, peplos-style overgown, an apron and bronze jewellery.

Sources: Main Outlines of Finnish History http://virtual.finland.fi/netcomm/news/showarticle.asp?intNWSAID=25909 History of Finland http://www.lysator.liu.se/nordic/scn/faq43.html Ancient Costumes http://www.craftmuseum.fi/eng/nationalcostumecenter/brochures/ancientcostumes.htm

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