Emanuel van Meteren facts for kids
Emanuel van Meteren (1535 – 11 April 1612) was a famous historian from Flanders, a region in what is now Belgium. He also worked as a special representative, called a Consul, for traders from the Low Countries (which include modern-day Belgium and the Netherlands) in London, England.
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Who Was Emanuel van Meteren?
Emanuel van Meteren was born in Antwerp, a city that was part of the Low Countries at the time. He came from a very interesting family. His father, Sir Jacobus van Meteren, was a successful financier (someone who manages money) and a publisher. His father was known for publishing some of the first English versions of the Bible.
His Family of Mapmakers
Emanuel's mother was Ottilia Ortellius. She came from the famous Ortellius family, who were well-known for making maps. His uncle was the famous mapmaker Abraham Ortelius. Abraham Ortelius created one of the first modern world maps, called Theatrum Orbis Terrarum. Being part of such a family meant Emanuel grew up around important books, maps, and ideas.
A Life in London
Emanuel van Meteren spent a large part of his life in London. He worked there as a Consul. A Consul is like an official representative for a country or a group of people in another country. Emanuel's job was to help and represent the traders from the Low Countries who were doing business in London. This role was very important because it helped keep trade smooth and fair between the two regions.
His Important Work: Historian
Emanuel van Meteren is best known for his work as a historian. He wrote many books about the history of the Low Countries and their wars with neighboring countries. His most famous work is often called Historien der Nederlanden (History of the Netherlands). This book covered events up to the year 1612.
Why His History Was Important
Van Meteren's historical writings are very valuable because he lived through many of the events he wrote about. He was able to gather information from people who were involved in these events. This made his accounts very detailed and helpful for understanding the past. His books give us a great look into the politics, wars, and daily life of his time.
Legacy
Emanuel van Meteren passed away on April 11, 1612. His work as a historian left a lasting mark. His books are still studied today by people who want to learn about the history of Europe during the 16th and early 17th centuries. He showed how important it is to record history accurately, especially when you have a chance to hear from those who lived it.
