Holstein

Holstein (Hol-shtayn) is the southern part of Schleswig-Holstein in Germany, between the rivers Elbe, Eider and the Schlei firth. The capital of Holstein is Kiel.

1111-1474 an Imperial (Reichsunmittelbar) County of the Holy Roman Empire, although some times occupied by Denmark, and thereafter an Imperial Duchy, sometimes in personal union[?] with Denmark, until the dissolution of the Empire in 1806.

Up to 1864 the Duchy of Holstein was part of the Deutscher Bund[?], though in personal union with Denmark (the King of Denmark being also Duke of Holstein). In 1864 Holstein became part of Prussia.

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Holstein also refers to a breed of cow.