Läänitys

Läänitys is a historical administrative and territorial division system used in some European countries, most notably in Estonia and Latvia during various periods of their history, particularly under Swedish and Russian rule. The term itself is derived from the Swedish word "län," meaning a province or a fief. In essence, a läänitys represented a grant of land and authority from a sovereign to a noble or a group of nobles.

These grants typically included the right to govern the territory, collect taxes, and administer justice within its boundaries. The holders of a läänitys, known as lääninherra (lord of the manor or governor), were expected to provide military service and loyalty to the sovereign. The system served as a way to delegate power and manage vast territories, while also rewarding loyal subjects and securing their commitment.

The specific nature and extent of läänitys varied over time and depending on the ruling power. In Estonia and Latvia, for instance, the system evolved from medieval feudal structures. Under Swedish rule, läänitys played a significant role in consolidating royal authority. Later, during the Russian Empire, the term and its associated administrative structures were adapted, though often with modifications to the original feudal concept. The abolition of läänitys and its associated privileges often coincided with broader reforms aimed at centralizing state power or modernizing administration.