The Siege of Antwerp took place from 1584 to 1585 during the Eighty Years' War, a conflict between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch provinces seeking independence. The city of Antwerp, a major trade center, was besieged by Spanish forces led by Don Alexander Farnese. The siege aimed to reclaim control over the rebellious city and its lucrative commerce. After a prolonged struggle, the siege ended in August 1585 when Antwerp surrendered. The fall of the city marked a significant victory for the Spanish, leading to the decline of Antwerp as a commercial hub and contributing to the rise of Amsterdam as a leading trade center in Europe.