The Siege of Leuven occurred in 1581 during the Eighty Years' War, a conflict between the Spanish Empire and the Dutch provinces seeking independence. The city of Leuven, located in present-day Belgium, was a strategic target due to its political and economic significance. The siege lasted several months, with Spanish forces attempting to capture the city from the Dutch rebels. Despite fierce resistance from the defenders, the Spanish ultimately succeeded in breaching the city's defenses. The fall of Leuven marked a significant moment in the war, reinforcing Spanish control in the region and impacting the morale of the Dutch resistance.