An aspect of the question of continuity between antiquity and middle ages: the origin of the Flemish cities between the North Sea and the Scheldt
Adriaan Verhulst
Most historians of the Flemish cities have argued that there was no significant Roman habitation north civitates Belgica secunda. Urban development in Flanders thus seen essentially as a creation Carolingian period and after. But recent archaeological excavations shown substantial presence at six cites which later were towns medium or considerable importance. Although buildings evidently abandoned fifth century, settlement political ecclesiastical organization developed around them Merovingian age. The background had effect on town life medieval Flanders.
Journal of Medieval History