Olden Times

From A.D. until the 13^th century

The Latvian territory 1st through 4th centurywas inhabited by Liv and Baltic nations. In North Kurzeme lived Livs, also in Vidzeme and part of Latgale. Kurshi people inhabited the centre and south part of Kurzeme. Zemgali inhabited Zemgale, and near them were Seli. Latgali inhabited the centre and south part of Latgale. The Kursh nation were sailors, they travelled to Sweden and Danish islands. Other nations were crop-growers, cattle-breeders, fishermen and hunters. From 9th until 11th century Baltic nation’s neighbours were Finnish, Slavish and Germanic nations. In the end of the 12th century in Latvia’s territory there were five regions - Kursa, Zemgale, Selia, Vidzeme and Latgale

In the beginning of the 13th century German aggression started with the purpose of introducing Christianity in Latvian territory. The first to accept Christianity were the Livs.  The Germans named the conquered territory Livonia.It was the common possession of the Roman pope and the German emperor.The bishops and the knights divided the power in Livonia.All the knights received land, which they could pass on to the next generations, after the conquest of Latvia and Estonia. The responsibility of the conquerors was to rule over and protect the land.The peasants were supposed to pay taxes, because their farms were on the lands of the rulers.They also were supposed to build now castles and take care of the roads. The inhabitants of the city were primarily craftsmen and merchants, who formed different associations. The towns of Livonia were also part of the Hanseatic League:Riga, Kuldiga, Straupe, Tallin, Cesis, Aizpute, etc. Livonia existed for more than 350 years.

Poland had taken over the territory of Latvia before the Polish-Swedish War (1600-1625).After the war, Sweden conquered all of Vidzeme, as well as Riga.

In the 17^th century, the economic situation in the duchy of Kurzeme and Zemgale rapidly improved, and shipbuilding, paper manufacturing, and amber working were developing.For a short time, the duchy of Kurzeme-Zemgale owned Tabago in the Carribean Sea, and Gambia on the Atlantic Ocean in Africa.But this economic prosperity did not last long, because the next dukes of Kurzeme-Zemgale though only of a luxurious lifestyle.

In the 17^th and 18^th centuries, many writers lived in Latvia, mostly in the capitol city, Riga.They were, unfortunately, mostly of Germanic origin, but they did understand the difficult condition of the Latvians in society.

In 1700, the North War began, which continued to 1721.This war was between Russia and Sweden, which were two of the most powerful nations at that time.In 1795, all of Latvia was under Russia; that had happened in stages.

In 1812, when Napoleon invaded Russia, he also “stopped in” in Latvia.

In the first half of the 19^th century, the serfs were set free in Kurzeme and Vidzeme. The serfs in Latgale were set free in l861.

In 1905, there was a revolution in all of the territory of Latvia.It began just after the events in Russia, where the Czar’s forces began to shoot the farmers.In the course of the revolution, many estates were burned, and with them many notable literary and art works.

During World War I, Latvians gained the right to serve in the Russian army.

Newer Times

From 1918 till 1940.

The Republic of Latvia was proclaimed independent on November 18, 1918.In fact, Latvia did not yet exist, because it did not yet have its own army to fight for independence.In that same year, the national army was formed, and immediately afterward, until 1920, it participated in a difficult fight for independence.

In the newly formed republic, the education system was developed and agricultural reform was affected.In this period of time, many internationally known culture workers came on the scene.

The railroad and highway system were also developed rapidly.Latvian goods were in demand in Europe, and exports exceeded imports, improving the monetary situation.

Latvia was known for its inventions, for example, the smallest camera in the world, the Minox, which was invented in 1938.Unfortunately, the Second World War interrupted all these positive beginnings.

Soviet Occupation Times

From 1940 to 1991.

After 50 years of occupation, Latvia regained its independence in 1991.

Our town Aizpute is a small town through which flows the Tebra River. Eco-tourism is widespread in Aizpute. Once a year our school goes on hikes, it is in September. Each class goes according to its plan and time. There is a man in Aizpute who builds castles out of firewood.You can read more about him at www.gramata21.lv/maineng/ .Not far from Misinkalns, a hill near Aizpute, there is a spring, the ruins of an ancient castle, and other interesting places.

Finally, meet Aizpute's Secondary School's Team