Bentheim

Bentheim (in full Grafschaft Bentheim) is a district in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is bounded by (from the west and clockwise) the dutch provinces Overijssel and Drenthe, the district of Emsland, and the districts Steinfurt and Borken in North Rhine-Westphalia.

History

Bentheim was a small medieval state. The district was once full of fens, just as the neighbouring Emsland. The small Vechte river offered the opportunity to found settlements along the banks. Bentheim became an earldom as early as 1050. In the following centuries it became a regional power by annexing the neighbouring earldoms of Steinfurt and Tecklenburg. Sandstone was the major export article in medieval times, ensuring the wealth of the earldom.

Geography

The small district of Bentheim is protruding into Dutch territory. The Vechte[?] River (Dutch Vecht) crosses the district from south to north and leaves to the Netherlands. All major towns are situated along that river.

The district is roughly identical with the medieval earldom of Bentheim, but excluding Steinfurt and Tecklenburg.

Coat of arms

Towns and municipalities

External links

Official website (http://www.grafschaft.de) (German)