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Tavastians (Finnish: hämäläiset; Swedish: Tavaster) were an ancient Finnish tribe that inhabited the historical province of Tavastia (Finnish: Häme). In the Novgorod First Chronicle, they are called Yem (Емь) or Yam (Ямь), and are often noted for their conflicts with Novgorod.
 Coat of arms of the historical province of Tavastia | |
| Regions with significant populations | |
|---|---|
| Pirkanmaa, Kanta-Häme, Päijät-Häme, Central Finland and Kymenlaakso | |
| Languages | |
| Finnish (Tavastian dialects) | |
| Religion | |
| Lutheranism | |
| Related ethnic groups | |
| Other regional subgroups |
Tavastians are also a modern subgroup of the Finnish people, distinguished by their use of Tavastian dialects.
Tavastia (Finnish: Häme) has been inhabited since the early Stone Age. The core area of ancient Tavastia was formed around Lake Vanajavesi. Example of organized cooperation of iron age Tavastians are the hillforts that form a clear line in south-north direction around Hämeenlinna. Most remarkable from these hillforts is the Rapola Castle which is the biggest hillfort found in Finland, but also Tenhola hillfort in Hattula and Hakoinen Castle were important fortresses.[1] Villages were often developed around the fortresses and for example Hattula and Vanaja-Janakkala had their beginning in this way.[2] In historical sources Tavastians are first time mentioned in 1042.[3]
Possibly the oldest known road of Finland, Hämeen härkätie ('Oxen Road of Tavastia') connected Tavastia with the western coast of Finland. First signs of Christianity can be dated to the 11th century.[1]
The Primary Chronicle and Novgorod First Chronicle describe Tavastians in frequent conflicts with Novgorod and Karelians as well as other Baltic Finns from the 11th to 14th centuries.[3]
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