Flanders

Historic region now divided between Belgium and France. Between the 13th and 15th centuries, Flanders prospered on trade, and the old nobility lost authority to the towns. By 1400, it was part of Burgundy, passing to the Habsburgs in 1482, before becoming part of the Spanish Netherlands. It was frequently fought over by France, Spain and later Austria. It was the scene of devastating trench warfare in World War I.

World Encyclopedia. Philip's, 2005.