Battle of Vlaardingen

This article includes a list of general references, but it lacks sufficient corresponding inline citations. Please help to improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (July 2018) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

The Battle of Vlaardingen
Romanticised 19th-century painting of the Battle of Vlaardingen by Barend Wijnveld.
Date 29 July 1018 Location near Vlaardingen, Netherlands Result West Frisian victory
Belligerents
Holy Roman Empire Duchy of Lower Lorraine Prince-Bishopric of Utrecht Prince-Bishopric of Liège Prince-Bishopric of Cambrai Archdiocese of Cologne	West Frisia West Frisian settlers from the area of Vlaardingen
Commanders and leaders
Emperor Henry II Godfrey II, Duke of Lower Lorraine (POW) Adalbold, Prince-Bishop of Utrecht (fled) Baldrick II, Prince-Bishop of Liège (died on way there) Provided troops: Gerard I, Prince-Bishop of Cambrai Saint Heribert, Archbishop of Cologne	Count Dirk III
Strength
Three imperial legions, estimated to number between 3,000–20,000 professional warriors	Considerably less, from several hundreds to up to 1,000 (see below)
Casualties and losses
3,000+	Minimal

The (First) Battle of Vlaardingen was fought on 29 July 1018 between troops of the Holy Roman Empire and West Frisia (which would later become known as the County of Holland). As a result of a trade dispute, Emperor Henry II sent an army towards West Frisia to subdue the rebellious Count Dirk III. However, the Imperial army was decisively defeated and fled in panic.

Knowledge of the battle is based on three chronicles, written shortly after the date: De diversitate temporum by the monk Alpertus of Metz, the Chronicon of Thietmar, bishop of Merseburg, and in the Cambrai Bishop's Chronicle. Also, recent archaeological discoveries shed some light on Vlaardingen in the 11th century.