Garage Sale - The Dutch Golden AgeAround 1600, a Golden Age started in the Northern provinces of the Low Countries. In 1602, the United East Indian Company (VOC) was founded, the first ever company with shares. A maritime trade and transport network to the Far East was established, with fortified trade posts along the way. The Low Countries developed steadily in many areas. The Seven Provinces were led to glory by Johan de Witt, an astute statesman who built an effective, modern navy