Stetin

Capital City of Pomerania

Stetin, also known as Stetinum, is the capital city of the Dukedom of Pomerania, situated on the Oder River. This important city, renowned in the northern regions, was historically the seat of the Dukes of Pomerania. With a rich history and significant role in commerce and military defense, it continues to be a noteworthy center in the Baltic region.

Etymology and Other Names

Stetin is referred to by several names across different languages and time periods. The Germans call it Szcecin, and in ancient references, it was named Stetinum. This city was central to the history of Pomerania, particularly after the decline of Vineta, which once dominated the area.

History

The history of Stetin traces back to the era following the fall of Vineta, a once flourishing city on the Isle of Usedom (ten Miles more to the North-West from Stetin). Stetin rose from a small village into a significant city due to its importance as the residence of the Dukes of Pomerania. The city became a political and cultural hub, especially after 1345, when Duke Otho of Pomerania moved the family seat there. The city remained under Pomeranian rule until 1630, when it was captured by Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden after a siege. Despite a brief period under Swedish control, the city was retaken by Brandenburg in 1677 and later restored to Sweden in 1679.

Geography

Stetin is strategically positioned on the Oder River, which divides the city into two parts. It is located approximately eight miles south of the Baltic Sea, and four miles from the borders of Brandenburg. The city is also about forty-four miles southwest of Danzig. Its location along major trade routes and its accessibility by river have been key factors in its development as a commercial center.

Demographics

Stetin has historically been a thriving city, with a population influenced by its strategic position and role as the capital of Pomerania. While no precise population data from the 17th century is available in the sources, its status as a principal city suggests a significant and diverse population engaged in various industries, including trade and crafts.

Economy

Stetin's economy is largely driven by trade, with the city acting as a key hub for goods such as tar, pitch, rosin, honey, wax, hides, grain, and furs, sourced from the surrounding regions of Pomerania, Prussia, Sweden, and Poland. The city's well-developed infrastructure, including numerous bridges and granaries, supports both local commerce and export activities. Its location on the Oder River has made it an essential port for the transportation of goods.

Culture

Culturally, Stetin is home to several churches and colleges that contribute to its reputation as a center of learning and religion. The Duke's Palace is a prominent feature of the city's architecture, known for its elegance and sumptuous design. The city's cultural landscape is enriched by its status as a seat of power, with influences from both local traditions and external powers, particularly Sweden and Brandenburg.

Government

The city of Stetin was historically governed by the Dukes of Pomerania, who established it as the political center of the region. After the fall of the Pomeranian dynasty in 1630, the city came under Swedish control and was later ceded to Brandenburg. The city has been an important administrative center, both for the Dukes of Pomerania and for subsequent ruling powers, including the Swedish and Brandenburg authorities.

Military

Stetin is fortified with strong defenses, including ramparts, ditches, and artillery, which have been crucial in protecting the city from external threats. The Oder River itself serves as a natural barrier, while the city's strategic location has made it a target for various military campaigns, including those led by the Swedes and Brandenburgers. The military significance of Stetin is reflected in its many fortifications and the presence of arsenals where war provisions are stored.

Education

Stetin is home to several colleges and religious institutions that have played an important role in education. These institutions have contributed to the city's cultural and intellectual life, offering a foundation for the training of clergy, scholars, and civic leaders.

Transportation

The city's transportation network is centered around the Oder River, which provides access for both sea and river vessels. Numerous bridges facilitate the movement of goods and people within the city. Stetin's strategic position along trade routes has made it an important port for the export and import of commodities, and the city boasts an active shipbuilding industry.

Notable People

Stetin was home to the Dukes of Pomerania, including Otho, who moved the family's seat to the city in 1345. The city's history is also marked by key figures such as Gustavus Adolphus of Sweden, who captured the city in 1630, and the Brandenburg rulers who took control in the late 17th century. The Dukes of Pomerania played a significant role in the development of Stetin and its rise as a prominent city in the Baltic region.

Sources from old books

1638. The merchants mappe of commerce wherein by Lewes Roberts.

This Stetin is the capital City of Pomerania, situate upon the River of Oder, in a pleasant and delightsome Soil, and carrieth in these Northern Regions that Renown, that from hence the Dukes of Stetin in Pomerland have their appellations. The City abounds in all Commodities for Merchandize that the Neighbouring Countries afford; and of it self it yieldeth to Merсhants the Commodities common to Prusen, Sweden, and Polonia. For its defence, it is strengthned on all sides with Ramparts, Ditches, and good Artillery; the River of Oder is beautified with many useful and necessary Bridges, the one whereof is purposely made to lead to the Granaries and Store-houses, where the Corn and Grain, either for Store or Exportation, is laid up, and where their Arsenals are seated, in which their warlike Provision is kept, and where Vessels of all sorts both for Sea and River is seen daily to be fabricated; beside the several Churches and Colleges that adorn this City, the Duke's Palace must be accounted as the principal Ornament, built of that Art and Sumptuousness, that it gives not place to the most excellent in Italy; in fine, Stetin is not to be accounted the least of the Hans-Towns and tho' the Prince be daily there Resident, yet it proveth no way prejudicial to the Privileges thereof.

The Commodities of this City are for Merchandizing, such as all the East Country affordeth, viz. Tar, Pitch, Rosin, Honey, Wax, Hides, Grain, and all kind of Furs.

The Weight of this City is divided into two kinds, derived from the Pound weight here in use, the Quintar is accounted 112 l. of this place, and that is the first, and the second is the Stone, which is also of two sorts; as a Stone of 10 l. being the small Stone, and a Stone of 21 l. accounted the great Stone; and it hath been observed, that the 10 l. of London Averdupois, bath yielded here incirca 92 l.

The common Measure in the use for length is called the Ell, as the usual denomination thereof in all the East parts, and the 100 Yards of London hath been observed to produce here about 141 Ells.

And thus much shall serve to have said of these Cities, which I have entitled under the Names of Poland and Eastland, though in themselves acknowledging several distinct Princes, having taken that liberty to my self in my first method, rather narrowly to observe the maritime Shores, and the principal Cities seated thereupon, though acknowledging divers Sovereigns, than precisely to follow the limits and bounds of Princes Dominions according to the largeness and extent of their Command and Power.

1693. A geographical dictionary representing the present and ancient names by Edmund Bohun.

Stetin, Stetinum, the Capital City of the Dukedom of Pomerania, in Germany; called by the Germans, Szcecin. It stands upon the Oder, over which it has a Bridge; and is divided by it into two equal parts: eight Miles from the Baltick Sea to the South, four from the Confines of Brandenburgh, and forty four from Dantzick to the South-West. This City grew up after the Ruin of Vineta (in the Isle of Ʋsedom, ten Miles more to the North-West) from a small Village, to that greatness it now enjoys, by becoming the Seat of the Dukes of Pomerania; who lived here many Ages in a Castle of an elegant and noble Structure. Otho (the Father of Barnimius I. Founder of the Line of Stetin) removed hither in 1345. This Family continued the Possession of it till 1630; when Gustavus Adolphus coming before it with an Army, obtained an admission partly by force, and partly by the terror of his Arms: Bogislaus, the last of that Line, dying soon after. The Right of the Succession undoubtedly belonged to the Duke of Brandenburgh: but the Swedes being in Possession, got their Right confirmed by the Treaty of Munster, and kept this City till the year 1677. When the Duke of Brandenburgh, coming before it with a powerful Army, after a tedious Siege took it. In 1679, by the Treaty of S. Germaine, it was restored to the Swedes; who are still in Possession of this very strong place. See Pomerania. It had been before attempted by the Imperial and Brandenburgh Forces united, in 1659: and baffled the designs of those great Princes. Olearius. Long. 38. 45. Lat. 53. 27.