Most of the fighting in this region took place in what is often referred to as Flanders, a compact area wide, its highest point only above sea level and dominated by rivers running southwest to northeast. Until the advent of railways in the 19th century, bulk goods and supplies were transported by water, and wars in this region were fought for control of major waterways, including the rivers Lys, Sambre and Meuse.
Most of the fighting in this region took place in what is often referred to as Flanders, a compact area wide, its highest point only above sea level and dominated by rivers running southwest to northeast. Until the advent of railways in the 19th century, bulk goods and supplies were transported by water, and wars in this region were fought for control of major waterways, including the rivers Lys, Sambre and Meuse.