Since Roman times, the European lowlands have been an ideal region for settlement, agriculture, and livestock farming. Prosperous villages emerged and developed extensive trade networks via former Roman roads, rivers, and maritime routes.
At the same time, these plains also served as strategic corridors for armies. These forces were not always intent on conquering local populations, but were often driven by conflicts in their own territories or disputes with rival tribes and rulers. As a result, prolonged periods of peace were rare throughout the region’s history.
In the territory we now know as Belgium, authorities consistently sought to protect the population from external threats. Defensive structures were erected, fortifications expanded, and soldiers trained to safeguard the region.
Fort XIII guides you through the locations of these defensive positions and the sites of major battles, with the highest possible degree of historical accuracy. We specialize in Belgian history from 1830 to 1945, while also offering expertise on significant events from earlier periods.
