Bûter, brea en griene tsiis

History

Plinius the Elder left us the oldest written account of the Frisians when he travelled to the northern border of the Roman empire in 47 BC. While power was divided, the Frisian region did expand naturally into current day Belgium and England. Around 650 AD the region was at its largest as can be seen in the picture below. This Magna Frisia was lost to the Francs and Charlemagne in 772.

Frisian Freedom, the period between 1100 and the 16th century, lacked  a functioning feudal system or any other form of central government. While there was a rather clear justice system, there were no means of enforcing any rules. Many conflicts arose during this period, most notably that between the Schieringers and the Vetkopers starting in the 14th century, marking the end of Frisian Freedom. Although Grutte Pier and the Arumer Zwarte Hoop did try in the 16th century. In 1648 Friesland became part of the Republic of the Seven Netherlands and has since transformed into the province of Fryslân.