Oldest national anthem song
The Wilhelmus is the oldest song in the world to have become a national anthem, with its melody and lyrics dating from 1568–1572.
Snapshot · The Rest Is History
680. The Netherlands: The Revolt that Made The Modern World (Part 4)
Explore episode
Jun 17, 2026
Where this was said
Introduction: Het Wilhelmus and the World's Oldest National Anthem
At 5:04 · chapter starts 4:05
Opening with a recording of the Wilhelmus, Dominic Sandbrook notes that while the Dutch anthem was only officially adopted in 1932, it has functioned as the great song of Dutch patriotism for 4.5 centuries — making it the oldest song in the world to become a national anthem. [1] — Tom Holland "Oldest national anthem song: The Wilhelmus is the oldest song in the world to have become a national anthem, with its melody and lyrics dat…" 05:04 Tom Holland, drawing on the Dutch Royal House's own website, explains that the melody originated during the 1568 siege of Chartres and the first known lyrics date from 1572. [2] — Tom Holland "Wilhelmus melody dates to 1568 siege of Chartres: According to the Dutch Royal House website, the melody of the Wilhelmus originated during…" 05:18 These dates are not coincidental: they bracket a key turning point in the Dutch Revolt, the 80-year war between Dutch rebels and Spain that Holland describes as one of history's absolutely top revolts — a genuine David and Goliath story that begins with Protestant pirates taking on the greatest empire on earth.
Wilhelmus melody dates to 1568 siege of Chartres
According to the Dutch Royal House website, the melody of the Wilhelmus originated during the siege of the French city of Chartres in 1568 — making it originally a Catholic melody.
80-year war with Spain
The Dutch Revolt precipitated an 80-year war between Dutch rebels and the Spanish Empire, making it one of the longest sustained independence struggles in European history.
The Dutch Revolt: A David and Goliath Story That Made the Modern World
The Dutch Revolt began with ragtag Protestant pirates taking on the most powerful empire in the world, and ended with a state that invented modern capitalism, stock markets, and religious tolerance. The Dutch Republic was per capita the richest country on the planet in the 17th century.
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