Stavelot emerges as a prominent abbey town in the County of Liège. Its location within the Ardennes Forest offers a strategic advantage, while the abbey itself serves as a center of religious, cultural, and economic activity. The town's prosperity is linked to agriculture, trade, and the influence of the abbey. As part of the complex political landscape of the Low Countries, Stavelot navigates the challenges and opportunities presented by its powerful neighbors, while maintaining its own identity and autonomy.