When the Netherlands and Belgium did not exist, people spoke of the Low Countries when referring to the area around the river deltas. Water has always played an essential role in the history of that region.

For centuries, living on these waterlogged lands provided the Dutch and the Flemings with opportunities for trade, urbanisation, agriculture and much more. But it also meant that they lived under the constant threat of devastating and deadly floods.

In this podcast, we discover how the Low Countries, after centuries of battling floods, have gradually learnt to treat water as an ally and a part of the cultural identity of its inhabitants.

Do you want to know more about Flemish and Dutch history and culture? Visit www.the-low-countries.com.

Music provided by Storyblocks:

“Cousing Mischief” by Facundo Alvarez https://www.storyblocks.com/audio/stock/cousing-mischief-rpgn65n8dkfs85l7u.html

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