The Count of Flanders was a title held by the rulers of the historical region of Flanders, located in present-day Belgium. This title emerged in the early Middle Ages and became significant as Flanders developed into a prosperous area known for its trade and textile industry. The Counts played a crucial role in the political and economic landscape of medieval Europe. Throughout history, several notable individuals held the title, including Count Baldwin I, who became the first Count of Flanders in the 9th century. The Counts often engaged in conflicts and alliances with neighboring regions, influencing the power dynamics of Western Europe. The title eventually became part of the larger Duchy of Burgundy in the 15th century.