The House of Avesnes was a noble family that played a significant role in the history of the Low Countries during the Middle Ages. Founded in the 13th century, the family produced several influential leaders, including counts and dukes, who governed regions such as Hainaut and Namur. The Avesnes family is best known for its connection to the County of Hainaut and its involvement in the political dynamics of the region. Their lineage contributed to the formation of the Burgundian Netherlands, which later became a crucial part of European history.