The Wilhelmus is the national anthem of the Netherlands and is often described as the oldest national anthem still in use, since its words date from the early years of the Dutch Revolt against Spanish rule. The song was written in the 1570s and speaks in the voice of William of Orange, the leader of the revolt, who declares his loyalty to the king of Spain while defending the Dutch cause and trusting in God. The first letters of its fifteen verses spell out Willem van Nassov in an acrostic. The author is unknown, and several candidates have been proposed, though none is certain. The melody comes from an older song. The Wilhelmus was only officially adopted as the national anthem in 1932.
Before and after
- 24 June 1571Founding of Manila
- 29 September 1571Birth of Caravaggio
- 7 October 1571Battle of Lepanto
- 27 December 1571Birth of Johannes Kepler
- 1572Wilhelmus
- 1572Birth of John Donne
- 24 August 1572St. Bartholomew's Day massacre
- 11 November 1572Tycho's Supernova
- 1574Construction of Selimiye Mosque
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- 1605Publication of Don Quixote
- from 17th century to 19th centuryAge of Enlightenment
The era
This moment belongs to the Early modern world (1500 CE to 1760 CE), voyages, printing and new ideas. You can also browse everything in the 16th century.