Plundering, a burning town hall and thousands of dead: 450 years ago the Spanish Fury swept through Antwerp

On November 4, 1576, Spanish troops invaded Antwerp, leading to widespread destruction and thousands of deaths. The event, known as the Spanish Fury, saw soldiers plundering the city and burning around 500 homes, including the town hall. Historian Guido Marnef estimates at least 6,000 deaths among the Antwerp defenders, while only about 200 Spanish soldiers died. The attack was part of a larger context of unrest against Spanish rule in the Low Countries. The anniversary is being commemorated in Antwerp with various cultural events. The Spanish Fury marked a significant turning point in the region's history, impacting trade and governance in Antwerp.