Formation of the Frankish State

The Middle Ages in the territory of Belgium begin with the fall of the Roman Empire and the arrival of Germanic tribes, among which the Franks played a dominant role. In the 5th century AD, under the leadership of King Clovis I, the Franks united significant territories, including lands now known as Belgium. This marked the beginning of the early medieval Merovingian state, which lasted until the 8th century.

The early Middle Ages were characterized by the spread of Christianity, which played a significant role in the region's development. Missionaries such as Saint Amand and Saint Lambert actively contributed to the conversion of the local population to the Christian faith. Churches and monasteries became not only spiritual but also cultural centers. During this time, the foundations for the future feudal structure of the region were laid.

The Carolingian Empire and the Division of the Frankish Empire

In the 8th century, the Merovingians were succeeded by the Carolingians, the most famous ruler of whom was Charlemagne. Under him, Belgium became part of a great empire that spanned much of Western Europe. Charlemagne placed great emphasis on consolidating power, developing Christianity, and creating an efficient administrative system. His reign brought relative prosperity and stability to the region.

After the death of Charlemagne, his empire was divided among his grandsons by the Treaty of Verdun in 843. Belgium became part of the Middle Frankish Kingdom, which soon fragmented, and the territories fell to the East Frankish and West Frankish Kingdoms. This led to the formation of small feudal holdings, nominally under the authority of large monarchs but actually governed by local lords.

Feudalism and the Strengthening of Cities

From the 9th to the 11th centuries, Belgium was fragmented into numerous feudal principalities, counties, and duchies, among which the counties of Flanders, Brabant, and Luxembourg stood out. These territories were ruled by powerful feudal lords who were engaged in constant wars and conflicts over land and influence. A key element of the feudal system was the dependence of peasants on their lords, to whom they paid rents and owed obligations for protection.

In the 11th-12th centuries, a rise of cities and urban communes began. Flanders, especially the cities of Bruges, Ypres, and Ghent, became an important trading center in Europe due to the production of cloth and wool products. The urban bourgeoisie, having amassed wealth through trade, began to influence politics and challenge the power of feudal lords. This led to the emergence of urban communes that sought autonomy and self-governance.

The Crusades and Economic Upturn

The Crusades, which began in the late 11th century, played a significant role in the life of Belgium. Many noble families participated in the campaigns to the Holy Land, which strengthened ties between Western Europe and the East. Belgian cities such as Bruges actively engaged in international trade, contributing to the economic upturn of the region. Maritime routes through the North Sea and trade with England and Scandinavia made Flanders one of the most prosperous areas of Europe.

By the 12th-13th centuries, crafts and guild organizations were actively developing in Belgium. Urban masters formed guilds and unions that controlled production and quality of goods. This period saw cultural and architectural development: majestic cathedrals were built in major cities, such as St. Bavo's Cathedral in Ghent and St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels.

The Struggle for Independence and Inter-Familial Conflicts

One of the most significant milestones in the medieval history of Belgium was the struggle for the independence of cities from feudal rulers. In the 14th century, Flanders and other regions repeatedly rebelled against external pressures, including from the French kings who sought to subjugate the wealthy Flemish cities. One of the most famous conflicts was the Battle of Courtrai in 1302, also known as the "Battle of the Golden Spurs," where the Flemish militias defeated the French knights.

In addition to external threats, inter-familial conflicts often arose in Belgium. Counties and duchies fought each other for territory and control over trade routes. These conflicts weakened the region, but at the same time contributed to the formation of local identity and the strengthening of urban autonomies. The cities of Belgium increasingly became independent economic and political units.

The Twilight of the Middle Ages and the Rise of Burgundy

By the end of the 14th century, Belgium came under the authority of the House of Burgundy, which united various feudal holdings into a single state. The Dukes of Burgundy, starting with Philip the Bold, actively expanded their territories, and Belgium became a key part of their lands. This period was marked by political consolidation and the strengthening of central authority.

Under Burgundy's rule, the cities of Flanders, Brabant, and other regions continued to thrive. Trade, art, and crafts reached a new level of development. Cities like Bruges, Antwerp, and Ghent became centers of culture and trade in Europe. However, as the Burgundian dynasty grew stronger, so did the cities' resistance to their centralizing policies. This opposition continued into modern times.