Jacob van Artevelde facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jacob van Artevelde
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Statue (DeVigne-Quyo, 1863) of Jacob of Artevelde on the Vrijdagmarkt in Ghent
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| Born | c. 1290 |
| Died | 24 July 1345 |
| Occupation | politician |
Jacob van Artevelde (born around 1290 – died July 17 or 24, 1345) was an important leader from Flanders. He was also known as The Wise Man or the Brewer of Ghent. He played a big role in the politics of his time.
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Jacob van Artevelde's Life Story
Jacob van Artevelde was born in Ghent, a city in what is now Belgium. His family was quite rich and involved in business. He got married twice and made a lot of money in the weaving industry, which made cloth.
He became well-known during the start of the Hundred Years' War. This was a long conflict between France and England. Jacob was worried that this war would harm Ghent's trade and wealth. So, in 1337, he decided to get involved in politics.
Leading Ghent's Alliance
Jacob formed an alliance with the cities of Bruges and Ypres. This group was later called the Four Members. Their goal was to stay neutral in the war between France and England.
He led a movement against Louis I, the Count of Flanders. Count Louis I had stopped following his father's policies, which were against France. Jacob van Artevelde's actions forced Louis I to escape to France. After this, Jacob became the main leader of Ghent until he died.
Shifting Sides in the War
Flanders and England had always had good relations. This was because of the important trade of wool and textiles between them. Eventually, the neutrality of the Flemish cities ended. In 1340, they decided to support England.
Jacob van Artevelde convinced the cities to recognize King Edward III of England as the ruler of France. They also agreed to see him as the main lord of Flanders.
Challenges and His Death
Under Jacob van Artevelde's strong leadership, trade and industry in Flanders grew a lot. However, in 1345, things changed. There were rumors that he wanted to make Edward, the Black Prince, King Edward III's son, the new count of Flanders. People also suspected him of misusing money. On top of that, the Pope had taken away his church membership.
These issues led to a big uprising in Ghent. Jacob van Artevelde was killed by an angry crowd.
His son, Philip van Artevelde, later continued his father's work for Flanders. Philip died in the Battle of Roosebeke in 1382.
Jacob van Artevelde in Stories
Jacob van Artevelde is a character in Les Rois maudits (The Accursed Kings). This is a series of French historical novels written by Maurice Druon. He was played by Christian Barbier in the 1972 French TV show based on the books.
