# Ilmen

> lake in Novgorod Oblast, Russia

**Wikidata**: [Q203462](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q203462)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Ilmen)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ilmen

## Summary
Ilmen is a lake located in Novgorod Oblast, Russia. It is a significant inland body of water situated in the northwestern part of the country, known for its historical and ecological importance.

## Key Facts
- **Name**: Ilmen (also known as Lake Ilmen)
- **Type**: Lake
- **Location**: Novgorod Oblast, Russia
- **Coordinates**: Latitude 58.2667, Longitude 31.2833
- **Country**: Russia
- **Region**: Northwestern Russia
- **Administrative Region**: Novgorod Oblast
- **Wikipedia Title**: Lake Ilmen
- **Sitelink Count**: 52 (as of source data)
- **Aliases**: Lake Ilmen

## FAQs
**What is Lake Ilmen?**  
Lake Ilmen is a freshwater lake located in Novgorod Oblast, Russia. It is part of the broader hydrological system of northwestern Russia and holds historical and environmental significance.

**Where is Lake Ilmen located?**  
Lake Ilmen is situated in the Novgorod Oblast, a federal subject of Russia in the northwestern part of the country. Its coordinates are approximately 58.2667°N and 31.2833°E.

**What is the significance of Lake Ilmen?**  
Lake Ilmen is historically and ecologically significant. It is associated with the medieval Ilmen Slavs and is part of the Volkhov River basin, which connects to the broader network of European waterways. It also plays a role in regional biodiversity and cultural heritage.

**What administrative region does Lake Ilmen belong to?**  
Lake Ilmen is located within the boundaries of Novgorod Oblast, a region in Russia with a rich historical background tied to early East Slavic states.

**What is the origin of the name "Ilmen"?**  
The name "Ilmen" is derived from the lake's historical association with the Ilmen Slavs, a medieval East Slavic tribe that inhabited the region.

## Why It Matters
Lake Ilmen holds significant historical, cultural, and ecological value. It is tied to the early history of the Ilmen Slavs, who were among the first East Slavic tribes to form the basis of the medieval state of Novgorod. The lake is also part of the broader Volkhov River basin, which historically served as a critical trade route connecting the Baltic to the Black and Caspian Seas.

Ecologically, it supports diverse aquatic and terrestrial life, and its waters are part of the hydrological network that feeds into major rivers such as the Volkhov. The lake also contributes to the regional identity and heritage of Novgorod Oblast, making it a key geographic and cultural landmark.

## Notable For
- Being historically central to the Ilmen Slavs, a medieval East Slavic tribe
- Serving as a key water source in the Volkhov River basin
- Hosting a unique ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna
- Being a geographic feature of regional importance in northwestern Russia
- Having a sitelink count of 52, indicating its presence in multiple digital knowledge repositories

## Body

### Geography and Location
Lake Ilmen is located in the northwestern part of Russia, within the boundaries of Novgorod Oblast. Its geographic coordinates are approximately:
- Latitude: 58.2667°N
- Longitude: 31.2833°E

The lake is part of the broader Volkhov River basin, which historically played a critical role in trade and transportation across early East Slavic territories. It connects to the historic "Route from the Varangians to the Greeks," a medieval trade route linking Scandinavia to Byzantium.

### Historical Significance
Lake Ilmen is named after the Ilmen Slavs, a medieval East Slavic tribe that inhabited the region. These tribes were among the earliest to form the foundation of the medieval state of Novgorod, which became a powerful political and economic center in early Russian history.

The lake's strategic location made it a focal point in the development of early Slavic settlements and trade routes. Its waters were used for transportation and commerce, linking settlements along the Volkhov River to broader regional networks.

### Administrative Context
Ilmen is located in:
- **Novgorod Oblast**: An administrative division in Russia with an inception date of July 5, 1944. The oblast is part of the Northwestern Federal District and is known for its historical significance in early Russian statehood.

### Ecological Importance
Lake Ilmen supports a diverse ecosystem, including various species of fish such as pike, perch, and bream. The lake's waters are part of a larger wetland system that provides habitat for migratory birds and supports local biodiversity.

The lake is also surrounded by forests and wetlands that contribute to the ecological balance of the region. It is a key part of the hydrological system that connects to the Volkhov River, which flows into Lake Ladoga, one of Europe's largest lakes.

### Cultural and Linguistic Context
The lake is deeply embedded in the cultural identity of the region. It is associated with the medieval Ilmen Slavs and the early history of Novgorod. The lake's name is derived from these historical inhabitants, who played a key role in the formation of early East Slavic states.

The region also reflects the linguistic diversity of Russia, with Russian being the dominant language, alongside regional dialects and cultural expressions tied to the historical Ilmen Slavs.

### Digital Presence and Knowledge Representation
Lake Ilmen is represented in multiple digital knowledge bases, including:
- **Wikipedia**: Under the title "Lake Ilmen"
- **Wikidata**: With a unique identifier and structured data entries
- **Sitelink Count**: 52, indicating its presence in various language versions of Wikipedia and other knowledge platforms

Its digital representation includes:
- Geographic coordinates
- Administrative affiliations
- Historical and ecological context

This structured data allows for cross-referencing in global knowledge systems and supports research and educational initiatives related to Russian geography and history.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. Czech National Authority Database