Maasgau

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The Maasgau, Masao, or Maasland, was an early medieval region or pagus , on both sides of the Meuse (Dutch : Maas), stretching north of the city of Maastricht.

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In some periods there was also one or more counties (comitates) of this name.

Attestations

According to Nonn's collection of attestations:

As pointed out by Verhelst, the term Masalant (Maasland) is used mainly when referring to Maastricht, and according to him it is only used by mistake in the 950 case above. In 889, 898 and 919, Maastricht is specifically described as being in the comitatus (county) of Maselant. In the 898 record it is also added that it is in the Pagus of Hasbania. In a different record of 898 it is described instead of being in the pagus of Maseland. In contrast, in another 919 record it is described as being in the comitatus of Hasbania.

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References

  1. Nonn, p.89; Ewig, pp.1,11.
  2. Nonn, pp.89–90.
  3. Nonn, p.90.
  4. Despy (1961) gives a critical review of this document and its versions. It was recorded in the Abbey chartulary and in the much later third continuation of the chronicle of the Abbey (p.371)
  5. Vita Eucherii episcopi Aurelianensis MGM Script. rer. mer. VII, 1920 pp.50-51
  6. HGH SS rer. Germ. [44]: Nithardi Historiarum p.31
  7. MGH Diplomata, Lothar II, p.393.
  8. MGH Diplomata, Charles the Bald, p.644.
  9. MGH DD Otto I p.210
  10. MGH DD Otto I p.235

Bibliography