Duchy of Brabant (State of the Holy Roman Empire part of the Burgundian Netherlands)

The Duchy of Brabant, located in the heart of the Low Countries, is a land of great wealth and power. The Duke of Brabant, currently Jan III of Brabant, holds a great deal of influence in the region, both politically and economically. The duchy’s capital, Brussels, is a bustling city known for its marketplaces, grand architecture, and rich cultural heritage.

• Coat of arms/Flag: The coat of arms of the Duchy of Brabant is represented by a black lion with a golden tongue and claws on a yellow field.
• Status: Duchy
• General Alignment: Neutral
• Capital City: Brussels
• Other Settlements: Leuven, Antwerp, Louvain-la-Neuve, ‘s-Hertogenbosch
• Common languages: Dutch, French
• Religion(s): Christianity (Catholicism, Protestantism)
• Demographics: The Duchy of Brabant has a mixed population with a majority of Dutch-speaking people, but also a significant population of French-speaking people. The region is also home to many immigrants from neighboring countries.
• Government: The Duchy of Brabant is ruled by a Duke or Duchess, who is advised by a council of nobles and government officials.
• Legislature: The legislature is composed of representatives from the nobility, the clergy, and the common people.
• Population: The population of the Duchy of Brabant is estimated to be around 500,000 people.
• Places of interest: The Duchy of Brabant is home to many historic landmarks and cultural attractions, including the Grand Place in Brussels, the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, and the Royal Palace of Brussels.
• Other notable places of interest include the Leuven Town Hall, the Church of Our Lady in Leuven, and the Antwerp Zoo.
• Current Ruler: Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy
• Other Notable residents: Jan van Eyck, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Desiderius Erasmus, Gerardus Mercator
• Notable places: The city of Leuven is home to one of the oldest universities in Europe, and the town of ‘s-Hertogenbosch is famous for its beautiful cathedral and historic city center. The Duchy of Brabant is also known for its delicious cuisine, including waffles, chocolate, and beer.

The duchy is blessed with fertile soil, making it a major agricultural producer. Fields of wheat, rye, and barley stretch as far as the eye can see, and the duchy is also home to a thriving cattle and sheep industry. Additionally, the duchy’s many rivers and canals provide ample opportunities for trade and transportation of goods.

The people of Brabant are a diverse group, with Flemish, Walloon, and Brabantine dialects all commonly spoken. Christianity, specifically Roman Catholicism, is the dominant religion. The duke holds a great deal of power and authority, but there is also a strong tradition of local and regional government through the use of elected officials known as bailiffs and schepenen.

Brabant is also home to a number of notable figures, including the artist Jan van Eyck and the philosopher Desiderius Erasmus. The duchy is also known for its impressive castles and fortresses, such as the Castle of Leuven and the fortified city of ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Overall, the Duchy is a prosperous and influential region, with a rich history and culture. Its strong economy, diverse population, and powerful leadership make it a significant player in the politics and trade of the Low Countries.