Bruges becomes the cultural and commercial capital of northern Europe

Historical Context Note

Litencyc Editors (Independent Scholar - Europe)

The Literary Encyclopedia. WORLD HISTORY AND IDEAS: A CROSS-CULTURAL VOLUME.

Domains

Attempts, Assassinations, Executions

Dates

Date of occurrence c.1435

Places

Belgium (Location)

Resources

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Bruges was a centre of trade and commerce. For a long time it held a monopoly on English wool; it also operated as a centre for the powerful Hanseatic League, which placed it at the centre of Northern Europe's merchant network. It also managed to maintain its independence from other powers (such as France) under the leadership of the Dukes of Burgundy, followed by the Counts of Flanders. These rulers maintained a glittering court, which enabled the school of Flemish painters in particular to flourish.

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85 words

Citation: Editors, Litencyc. "Bruges becomes the cultural and commercial capital of northern Europe". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 01 March 2010 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/stopics.php?rec=true&UID=9681, accessed 06 May 2024.]

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