Here is the latest on Samogitian and Couronian (Kursiai) history.
To many it might come as a surprise, but the source is very
authoritative:
http://www.lrytas.lt/-12087052331206872862-p1-Mokslas-lrytas-lt-paskaita-2-A=
-Bumblauskas-Tel=F0i=F0kiai-u=FEmir=F0o-kad-jie-kur=F0iai-o-kauni=F0kiai-kad=
-jie-=FEemai=E8iai-video-nuotraukos-garso-=E1ra=F0as.htm
In short, historically Samogitians used to live in the lowlands of
rivers Nevezis and Nemunas in the low and flat areas around the middle
of Lithuania. The highlands around Telsiai is where Couronians used to
live (toponyms such as Kursai and Kursenai seem to attest to this).
The areas inhabited by Couronians seem to coincide exactly with what
is presently known as Samogitia.
So at some point in history the historical Samogitia (the true
lowlands in the middle of Lithuania) got merged with areas inhabited
by Couronians and then later on the areas inhabited by Couronians
started to be called Samogitia while the original Samogitia got joined
with the Highlands (Aukstaitija).
Interesting fact is that the 'true' lowlands have a dialect that is
not so similar to present- day Samogitian - e.g. Kaunas or Kedainiai -
in fact nowadays they are considered highlanders.
I thought the audio narrative was very interesting - some useful
evidence is presented.
Best regards,
EZ
