Historically, Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg were known as the Low Countries. The region was called Belgica in Latin because of the Roman province Gallia Belgica which covered more or less the same area. From the end of the Middle Ages until the 17th century, it was a prosperous centre of commerce and culture. From the 16th century until the Belgian Revolution in 1830, when Belgium seceded from the Netherlands, many battles between European powers were fought in the area of Belgium, causing it to be dubbed the “cockfighting arena of Europe,” a reputation strengthened by both World Wars. The EU has no official capital but Brussels hosts the official seats of the European Commission, Council of the European Union, and European Council.