Flashback Friday in Fun with Maps Issue 2024-198

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson) 

LOVELAND, OH (November 1, 2024) – In this special “Flashback Friday” fun with maps we look to the hills of Austria for a little history on the land made famous by the “Sound of Music” classic. (Originally published  on this date 2021 here on Loveland Beacon)

You call it Osterreich, I call it Austria

The German name for Austria, “Osterreich”, was first recorded on this day in 996.  It appeared in the Ostarrichi Document as the designated name for the “Eastern realm” of Bavaria.

The Anglicized Latinization word “Austria” was first recorded in the 12th century.

Now officially the Republic of Austria, the area began as a margraviate (a Medieval border village), then a duchy and archduchy until it became the home of the Hapsburg Dynasty and grew into an Empire.

Nine states make up the Republic, with Vienna being the smallest in land mass, but the most populous.

The land-locked country is mostly mountainous, making for breath-taking scenery and strong showing in winter sports events.

This map of Upper Austria, which is the western portion of the country, is from 1740 and was created by Seutter.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon.