“geuzen”:
the “geuzen” or Beggars is the term used to denote those who opposed Philip II at the outset of the >>Revolt of the Netherlands. The “Beggars of the Sea” were rebels who having fled from the Low Countries and being based in foreign ports, captured enemy vessels. In Dutch national mythology, the Beggars were transformed into militantly anti-Spanish and anti-Catholic national heroes.

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