Capital of Belgium since its independence in 1831. During the 12th century, the city developed because of its favorable position at the crossroads of important tradelines between Cologne and Bruges. In the mid-14th century, it became the seat of the court of the dukes of Brabant, retaining that position during the reign of the dukes of Burgundy and the princes of Habsburg and their governors in the 15th and 16th centuries. In 1815, Brussels, together with The Hague, became one of the two capitals of the newly created Greater Kingdom of the Netherlands under King William I.
Historical Dictionary of the Netherlands. EdwART. 2012.