“Nu adieu Braband schoon, adieu Antwerpen groot”: Oorlog, ongelijkheid en emigratie in Antwerpen 1584-1589 / War, inequality and emigration in Antwerp 1584-1589

Abstract

War can be a serious leveler. It causes major demographic and/or material damage and can therefore strongly influence economic inequality in the societies involved. Especially if war is accompanied by other disastrous events such as an epidemic or a famine. However, in recent years there has been a fierce debate about the way and extent to which, sometimes opposing, effects occur. The siege of Antwerp (July 1584 - August 1585) and its aftermath was a catastrophic and multifaceted event with major demographic consequences (mass emigration) but affecting different social groups and specific neighborhoods differently. Were these consequences so impactful that they had (long-term) leveling effects in Antwerp? A new research approach using a Geographic Information System (GIS) makes it possible to re-examine available source material.