Maps of Finno-Ugric Settlements and Place-Names

Map (1), shows the approximate limits of ancient Finnish settlements between the Ural Mountains and Fenno-Scandia (Norway, Sweden, Finland). Finnic people that occupy the areas between these Republics, do not have their name-sake Republic. For example, there is no Vepsä, or Korelian autonomous area. Note the spaces between these Republics, an obvious attempt to keep them separated.

Map (2) shows the Expansion of Slavs (Slaavien leveneminen) into Finno-Ugric lands. The Merjas are displaced and absorbed by neighboring Finno-Ugric groups, especially the Mari, who themselves travel Eastward from their ancient homeland in the area where the Oka flows into the Volga. (Mareja = Maris, Vepsäläisiä = Vepsä+people - related to the Eastern Karelians, -järvi = -lake eg. Valgetj. = Valgetjärvi. In some cases the -j. ending denotes a river, -joki.)

The largest Map (3) is seemlessly split into four files, and covers Karelia/Eastern Karelia, the mythical land of Kalevala.

Map (4) is based on Russian maps and is according to Zyrian I. Möššeg, not consistent with the native folklore, due to Russian mistakes and Russification. Jurla should be Jurva, Susva = Suzva, Velva = Völva etc. Corrections would be impossible as there is not enough information right now. Even in this form, however, the place names show a definite Perm-Komi influence. The place-names with -ma, -nga, and -ga endings are of old Finno-Ugric origin often predating the present Komi. Many are of Lapp or other ancient arctic Finno-Ugric origin. (Suomen Suvun Tiet, E. Kuussaari, 1935). The maps are very large and take a little while to load. Close all other open windows.


These rare maps are essential for anyone doing research into history of Finland, Russia or of the peoples of northern Europe and Asia. While geography does not change much, distribution of people, borders and place-names do. For this reason, the writer has made the effort to display the maps in high resolution, so the original names can be identified and perhaps even reinstated in some cases. Names of lakes and rivers which are far removed from the political boundaries of Finland are familiar to Finns, even to the foothills of the Ural Mountains. These names prove that the Finnish language is connected across time and space to distant places where the ancestors of the Finns roamed for thousands of years before the Slavs "discovered" their land and began to Russify people and place names.



English     North Northeast East Southeast South Southwest West  Northwest

Finnish Pohjoinen Koillinen Itä Kaakko Etelä Lounas Länsi Luode




Links:
Maps of Finnish Cities: 1902
Second World War: naval history; territories turned over to the Soviets
Karelian maps - lots of good maps and information on Karelia - Finnish.
National Geographic Atlas - from the book selection
War Map 1656-58 - Finns outnumbered in Russian attack.
Multimaps - On line Atlas
MapQuest.com - Locates your house on your street.
Karelian place names in Russian/Karelian dialects/Finnish

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