The first settlement in Brugge dates from the Gallo-Roman period in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. In the 9th century Brugge was already a trading city with a fortress (the Burg), and in the 11th century it was expanded and became an international commercial trading center. The second expansion of the city took place in the 14th century, with a second city wall and access gates, which are still existing today. Until the 16th century it would remain a leading commercial and financial center.