Jacob van Artevelde

Born circa 1290; died between July 17 and 24, 1345. A rich weaver and merchant in the city of Ghent (Flanders).

In 1338, Artevelde led a revolt of the Ghent weavers, who were dissatisfied with the alliance between the count of Flanders and France because it hindered their trade with England. Artevelde became head of a new city council that had been founded during the revolt. By the end of 1339, after the count had fled the country, Artevelde ruled all of Flanders. He organized an alliance between Flanders, Brabant, Hai-naut, and Holland. In 1340 the alliance entered the Hundred Years’ War (1337–1453) on the side of England. Artevelde’s policy pursued in the interests of the city leaders, provoked an uprising of artisans during which Artevelde was killed.