In the first centuries AD, political and administrative subdivisions began to emerge in Estonia. Two larger subdivisions appeared: the province (Estonian: kihelkond) and the land (Estonian: maakond). Several elderships or villages made up a province. Nearly all provinces had at least one fortress. The king or other highest administrative official elder directed the defense of the local area. By the thirteenth century Estonia consisted of the following provinces: Revala, Harjumaa, Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Läänemaa, Alempois, Sakala, Ugandi, Jogentagana, Soopoolitse, Vaiga, Mõhu, Nurmekund, Järvamaa and Virumaa. COUNT 5
QSN1 When did political subgroups begin to appear in Estonia? ANS1 first centuries AD QSN2 What subdivision was associated with the province? ANS2 kihelkond QSN3 What subdivision was associated with the land? ANS3 maakond QSN4 What type of structure did most provinces have? ANS4 fortress QSN5 Who commanded the defense of an area? ANS5 The king or other highest administrative official elder