Spanish Netherlands, 1556
The Spanish banner depicting the “Cross of Burgundy” (representing the cross in which Saint Andrew was crucified) flew in Seventeen Provinces of the Spanish Low Countries, a personal union of states from 1556 to 1714, comprising most of the present Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg and parts of Northern France and Western Germany. Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Spain abdicated in 1556, his realms were divided the Seventeen Provinces went to his son Philip II, King of Spain, leading to the Eighty Years' War, starting in 1568.