Although the area that makes up Brussels has been settled for well over 4000 years, and the Romans founded settlements in the area during the first and second centuries AD, it was not until the vast Frankish Empire was split into two in 843 along the Schelde River that Brussels became important as a trading point between the two halves.
Throughout subsequent centuries, the country that became Belgium was passed from head of state to head of state, being ruled from time to time from Vienna, Barcelona and Burgundy, before becoming part of the Netherlands.
In 1831, Belgium became independent, and the ambition of ruler King Leopold saw the country colonise vast tracts of Africa, and develop the wealth that allowed the country to become one of the wealthiest in Europe.
After a bad Second World War, prosperity returned to Belgium with the World Fair of 1958, which attracted the likes of NATO and the European Commission to set up their headquarters in the city. Now in effect the De Facto capital of the European Union, and home to the parliament, Brussels continues to develop as a modern and beautiful city, with a rich history celebrated in the many museums.
