"In 1572, the city of Leiden sided with the Dutch revolt against Spanish rule and played an important part in the Eighty Years' War. Besieged from May until October 1574 by the Spanish, Leiden was relieved by the cutting of the dikes, thus enabling ships to carry provisions to the flooded town. As a reward for the heroic defense of the previous year, the University of Leiden was founded by William I of Orange in 1575. Yearly on October 3, the end of the siege is still celebrated in Leiden. Tradition tells that the citizens were offered the choice between the university and a certain exemption from taxes."
Ah, for the days when people would choose knowledge over money!
And now, here it is - your Moment of Leiden Zen:
No comments:
Post a Comment