Ruotii

Ruotii is a lesser-known but historically significant region located in the southern part of the historical province of Carinthia, now part of modern-day Austria. The name "Ruoti" or "Ruotii" is derived from the Old High German word *ruoti*, meaning "clearing" or "open land," reflecting its early agricultural and pastoral origins. The area is situated along the Drava River, near the border with Slovenia, and has been inhabited since prehistoric times, as evidenced by archaeological findings such as Celtic and Roman settlements.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Ruotii was part of the Carantanian March, a frontier region under the control of the Duchy of Carinthia and later the Holy Roman Empire. The region was strategically important due to its location along trade routes connecting Central Europe to the Adriatic. By the 12th century, it became part of the County of Gorizia and Gradisca, which was later absorbed into the Habsburg Monarchy. The area remained largely rural, with farming and livestock breeding as its primary economic activities.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Ruotii, like much of Carinthia, experienced political tensions due to its mixed ethnic population of Slovenes and Germans. After World War I, the region was contested between Italy and Austria, eventually being ceded to Austria under the Treaty of Saint-Germain-en-Laye (1919). The post-war period saw further demographic shifts, with many Slovenes relocating to Yugoslavia, while German-speaking settlers moved into the area.

Today, Ruotii is an unincorporated part of the municipality of Klagenfurt-Land in Carinthia. The region retains a rural character, with a focus on agriculture, viticulture, and small-scale industry. Its historical heritage is preserved through local traditions, architecture, and occasional archaeological excavations. The area remains a quiet, scenic part of Austria, offering a glimpse into its medieval and imperial past.