Medieval origins The 9th-century
Frankish settlement of
Dicasmutha was situated at the mouth of a stream near the
River Yser (). The name is a compound of the Dutch words (dike) and (river mouth). By the 10th century, a chapel and marketplace were already established. The city's
charter was granted two centuries later and
defensive walls built in 1270. The economy was already then based mainly on agriculture, with dairy products and linen driving the economy. From the 15th century to the
French Revolution, Diksmuide was affected by the wars between the
Netherlands,
France,
Spain, and
Austria, with a corresponding decline in activity; it was captured by French forces in the
Capitulation of Diksmuide in 1695. The 19th century was more peaceful and prosperous.
World War I At the outset of
World War I,
German troops crossed the Belgian border near
Arlon, then proceeded hurriedly towards the
North Sea to secure the
French ports of and
Dunkirk. The
Battle of the Yser started in October 1914. Thanks to the water the Belgians were able to stop the Germans; at the end of October, they opened the floodgates holding back the River Yser and flooded the area. As a result, the river became a front line throughout the First World War. The city was first attacked on 16 October 1914 and defended by Belgian and French troops, which marked the beginning of the battle. Colonel
Alphonse Jacques led the troops that prevented from being taken by the
German Army. Despite the heavy Belgian losses, the press, politicians, literary figures and the military itself created propaganda which formed public opinion into making the action appear strategic and heroic. By the time the fighting ended, the town had been reduced to rubble. It was, however, completely rebuilt in the 1920s. ==Sights==