Antwerp Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / November 17, 2024
Antwerp Then
Antwerp, a city in the Flanders region of Belgium, is one of the world’s major seaports, with a rich history reflected in its name’s evolution.
The earliest recorded names include “Ando Verpia” on Roman coins and the Germanic “Andhunerbo,” dating back to around 567 CE when the region was part of the kingdom of Austrasia.
There is also a possible Celtic reference in the name “Andoverpis” from around 700 CE, suggesting it may have meant “those who live on both banks,” potentially referring to its location along the Scheldt River.
Linguistically, the city’s name may have Germanic roots, combining “anda,” meaning “against,” and “werpen,” meaning “to throw,” which could refer to a defensive mound or wharf.
While there is a popular folkloric tale that the name derives from the Dutch “handwerpen” (meaning “hand-throwing”), relating to the legendary giant Antigoon, this origin is less likely.
According to the legend, Antigoon would sever the hands of those who didn’t pay a toll and throw them into the river, until a hero named Silvius Brabo defeated him and threw the giant’s hand into the river.
This story is commemorated by a statue in the city’s Grote Markt, though the true etymology of Antwerp is likely rooted in its geographic and historical significance.
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Antwerp History
Antwerp, located on the right bank of the Scheldt River, has a history of continuous human settlement dating back to Gallo-Roman times, with evidence of early inhabitation found in archaeological excavations.
The city’s name likely originated from the Germanic word components “anda” (meaning “against”) and “werpen” (meaning “to throw”), possibly referring to a fortification or structure built along the river as a defense, perhaps linked to Antwerp’s iconic 9th-century fortified castle, the Steen.
However, a more charming, albeit legendary, story connects the city’s name to the giant Druon Antigonus, who allegedly severed the hands of boatmen who refused to pay tolls.
The hero Silvius Brabo is said to have defeated the giant, cutting off his hand and throwing it into the river, a story immortalized in the Brabo Fountain in the city’s Grote Markt.
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The city’s development occurred in two phases, with an initial settlement at Chanelaus–Caloes–Callo, followed by the more significant growth around the Steen castle in the northern part of the city.
By the 7th century, Christianity had reached the region, and Antwerp became an important religious and administrative center by the 9th century when it was incorporated into the Holy Roman Empire.
The city’s location along the river made it a natural hub for trade and shipping, and by the 13th century, Antwerp was already thriving as a commercial center.
The 14th century saw the city benefit from the freedom of trade granted to merchants from various European nations, helping solidify its importance in the region.
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During the 15th century, Antwerp rose to prominence, surpassing Brugge as the economic capital of Flanders and becoming the leading commercial center of western Europe.
Its success was driven by the burgeoning colonial trade, with the city becoming a focal point for the flow of goods from Spain and Portugal’s overseas colonies.
By the mid-16th century, Antwerp’s population had grown significantly, from 20,000 to nearly 100,000 people, and the city had expanded its industrial base with breweries, sugar refineries, and cloth manufacturing.
The Antwerp Stock Exchange, founded in 1531, became a major financial institution, contributing to the city’s status as a global economic hub.
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Additionally, Antwerp became a cultural center, with a flourishing school of painting and printing houses that gained recognition across Europe.
However, Antwerp’s economic prosperity was disrupted in the late 16th century during the Eighty Years’ War, when the city was captured by Spanish forces in 1585.
The closure of the Scheldt River, which had been a vital trade route, led to a sharp decline in population and commerce, with many merchants and financiers fleeing to Amsterdam.
Despite these setbacks, Antwerp remained an important city in the Spanish Netherlands and later in the Austrian Netherlands.
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The 17th century saw a resurgence in art, with masters like Rubens and Van Dyck bringing the city to the forefront of European cultural life.
Antwerp’s fortunes were further buoyed in the 19th century following the French Revolution and the subsequent restoration of free navigation on the Scheldt River in 1792.
The city became an important seaport once again, and by the end of World War II, Antwerp’s port facilities had grown substantially.
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The post-war period marked the beginning of a new era of economic growth driven by the expansion of the port, as well as by advances in infrastructure, manufacturing, and finance.
Despite challenges such as the closure of the Antwerp Stock Exchange in 1997 and environmental concerns related to the expansion of port facilities, Antwerp remains a key economic and cultural center in Belgium, continuing to thrive as one of Europe’s major seaports.
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Antwerp Now
Antwerp is a vibrant city located in the Flemish Region of Belgium, known for its significant cultural, economic, and historical contributions.
As the capital and largest city of Antwerp Province, it ranks as the most populous municipality in Belgium, with a population of 536,079 residents.
Covering an area of 204.51 km², Antwerp is the third-largest city in Belgium by area, following Tournai and Couvin.
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The city’s metropolitan area is even larger, with over 1.2 million people, making it the second-largest urban area in Belgium, after Brussels.
The Scheldt River, which flows through Antwerp, plays a key role in the city’s development, linking it to the North Sea via the Westerschelde estuary.
This geographical advantage has helped establish Antwerp as a major port city.
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The Port of Antwerp is one of the largest in the world, ranking second in Europe after Rotterdam and among the top 20 globally.
The port’s size and importance in international trade significantly contribute to the city’s economy and make Antwerp a vital hub for global shipping and commerce.
In addition to its industrial prowess, Antwerp is renowned for being a global center of the diamond trade.
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It is considered the world’s diamond capital, with a large proportion of the world’s diamonds being traded through the city.
This industry has historically been a cornerstone of Antwerp’s economy, and today it continues to attract merchants, traders, and diamond cutters from around the world.
The city’s prominence in both shipping and the diamond industry has helped it achieve global recognition.
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Antwerp is also notable for its diverse population, with residents from over 180 different nationalities.
The city’s cultural mosaic is reflected in its varied communities, one of the most prominent being the Jewish community.
Antwerp is home to a sizable Haredi population, which, along with London’s Stamford Hill neighborhood, is one of only two such communities in Europe in the 21st century.
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This religious and cultural diversity adds to the richness of Antwerp’s social fabric and influences its arts, traditions, and everyday life.
The city’s nickname, Sinjoren, is derived from the Spanish term “señor,” meaning “lord,” which was used to refer to the Spanish noblemen who governed Antwerp in the 17th century.
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This historical connection is reflected in the city’s character, which blends its rich past with a modern, international identity.
In recognition of its global standing, Antwerp was ranked as a Gamma + Global City by the Globalization and World Cities Research Network in 2020, further cementing its status as an important cultural and economic hub in Europe.
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FAQs
Antwerp is famous for its significant role in the global diamond trade, its major port (second-largest in Europe), and its rich cultural history, especially in art (home to renowned artists like Rubens).
Antwerp is best known for being a global center of the diamond trade, its large port, and its vibrant fashion, art, and cultural scenes.
No, Antwerp is not part of Germany. It is a city in Belgium, located in the Flemish Region.
The primary language spoken in Antwerp is Dutch, specifically the Flemish variant, as it is located in the Flemish Region of Belgium.