Belgium

Belgium

Posted: Nov 21, 2008 | Updated: Apr 12, 2023

Belgium is a popular destination with beautifully preserved medieval towns, canals, and brutal history represented in the World War 1 battlefields. 

History of Belgium

The history of Belgium goes back to when the area was part of Gaul. Gaul is an area corresponding roughly with modern day France and consisted of three areas inhabited by the Belgae, Aquitani, and Gauls (Celts). After conquest by Julius Caeser, parts of the Roman province of Gallia Belgica and Germania Inferior covered what is today modern Belgium.

With the collapse of the Western Roman Empire the Germanic tribes of the Franks became dominant, forming the predecessor states of modern France and Belgium, though for much of the Middle Ages Flanders and the areas of modern Belgium were part of France.

Religious policies and nationalist feelings in some regions led to separatism with the Federated Netherlands splitting from the southern Royal Netherlands, this area corresponding to modern Belgium and being subject to Spanish and Austrian rule. The French revolution led to the annexation of the Low Countries but the end of Napoleon in 1814 gave rise to the United Kingdom of the Netherlands. In 1830 the southern parts broke off to form the country of Belgium.

World War 1 saw Belgium invaded by Germany in 1914 and much of the fighting occurred on its territory. Germany returned in World War 2 and occupation lasted till February 1945.

After the war, Belgium's African possessions were decolonised and Belgium became a founder of the predecessor to the European Union.


The Highlights

  1. Eban Emael the fortress which was stormed by German paratroopers in a night of fighting and which opened up the route around France in the opening attack on the west in WW2.
  2. WW1 cemeteries haunting rows of men cut down in their prime.
  3. An abundance of beer and very tasty too, Belgium is renowned for its brews - my favourite is the Kriek.

Travel Belgium

Eben Emael

Eben Emael

Eben Emael

Mons

Mons

Mons

Ypres

Ypres

Ypres

Other Destinations in Europe

After you've experienced my delights or horrors of Belgium, see what the destinations below may have in store for you.

Belgium | Bulgaria | Czech Republic | Denmark | France | Germany | Greece | Holy See | Iceland | Italy | Netherlands | Norway | Poland | Portugal | San Marino | Serbia | Spain | Sweden | United Kingdom |

    Contact

Contact

Say hi!

What can I call you?
Enter your email address (this will never be shared)
It would be nice to tell us why you are contacting us!
To prevent spam mail, enter the sum of the spam captcha

Hi! I’ve been travelling since the 90's and have visited 48 countries - not many really when the world has over 240 countries and states.

I'm lucky in that I live abroad, so for me, even with COVID devastating the world, the travel experience hasn't really gone away. Anyway, I can't wait to share more of my experiences, drop me a message and I'll get back to you ASAP.