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How much did Antwerpâs population grow between the late 14th century and the mid-16th century?
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Antwerp
Guildhalls in the Grote Markt, Antwerp, Belgium.
Between the late 14th century and the mid-16th century, Antwerp experienced significant population growth, transforming from a city of approximately 20,000 people at the end of the 14th century to nearly 100,000 by the mid-16th century.1
Other historical data provides a more granular look at this expansion, noting that the population grew from 15,000 in 1437 to nearly 40,000 around 1500, before reaching its peak of more than 100,000 in 1560. This rapid increase was driven by Antwerp's emergence as the leading commercial and industrial center of western Europe, necessitating extensive urbanization plans to accommodate the growing number of residents engaged in trade, transport, and industry.21