Artevelde, Jacob

VAN, a celebrated Flemish patriot of the 14th century. His riches, eloquence, and experience in diplomatic busine put him at the head of affairs in his native town of Ghent, at a time when the Flemings, subject to Louis II., count of Flanders, had resolved to extend their liberties, or at least to rid themselves of certain oppre ive imposts. The French wars of Edward III. of England, in which he requested the a istance of the discontented Flemings against the lord-superior of their count, Philip VI. of Valois, presented a favorable opportunity for revolt, and accordingly, in 1339, A., acting for the duke of Brabant, the cities of Louvain, Ghent, and others, concluded a treaty with Edward, by which the English king, styling himself king of France, was acknowledged lord-superior of Flanders. The defeat, however, which he sustained at St. Omer, obliged him to make peace with France, and a rupture ensued between the Flemings and their new superior. The alliance was revived after Edward's renewal of the war with Philip, and he was now persuaded by 4. to make his son, the Black Prince, count of Flanders. This project was defeated, and A.'s career terminated, by a revolt of the citizens of Ghent against his authority. A., and 50 of his friends, were murdered by a rabble of their fellow-citizens, on 2d May, 1345.