Cow war
The so-called War of the Cow (1275–1278), French Guerre de la Vache , was a three-year war in the Belgian region of Condroz , a natural region between Namur and Liège .
The feud that was exemplary for the feudal period was triggered in Andenne , which belonged to the county of Namur . A farmer from Jallet, part of the Goesnes lordship , had stolen a cow from a citizen from Ciney in the Principality of Liège and wanted to sell it at the Andenne market, which was under the jurisdiction of the County of Namur. But the cow was recognized by its owner. After the farmer refused to hand over the cow, the owner turned to the governor of the Condroz in Ciney. The Vogt assured the farmer that he would save his life if he brought the cow back. But when the farmer wanted to bring the cow back, he was hanged by the Vogt's men in Ciney .
This brought the Herr von Goesnes, Johann von Goesnes, on the scene. The execution of his farmer without his consent gave him an opportunity to take action against Johann von Halloy. Halloy Castle was destroyed together with the Lords of Spontin and Celles . Thereupon Johann von Halloy retaliated and set the manor of Goesnes on fire. Johann von Goesnes in turn called Guy von Dampierre , Count of Namur and Luxemburg for help.
The coalition of Goesnes, Spontin and Celles together with Guy von Dampierre besieged and destroyed Ciney. As a result, the Prince Bishop of Liège , John III. von Enghien , his troops from Dinant to attack Spontin.
The military feud finally ended with the intervention of King Philip III. of France , called the Bold. The war led to the devastation of 60 villages in the Condroz region and killed around 15,000.