Netherlands
inhabitants were to local lords. Gradually over the next centuries the whole region came to be
called the Low Countries, or Netherlands, including present-day Belgium. (3)
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During the 9th and 10th centuries Scandinavian raiders, called Vikings, frequently invaded the
coastal areas, sailing far up the rivers in search of loot. The need for a stronger system of
defenses against such marauders gradually led to an increase in the power of the local rulers and
their vassals, the nobles, who were largely a warrior class. Concurrently, the towns began to
grow in importance, as artisans and merchants settled in them and improved their defenses. The
gradual development of powerful towns was a notable feature of Dutch history during the 12th,
13th, and 14th centuries, and the area became an important trading centre. Under the leadership
annaabi.ee 
