Before the Fifth Army could attack over the Sambre the 2nd Army attacked at the Battle of Charleroi and at Namur on 21 August. |
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In ancient times, the Sambre and Meuse valley was an important industrial area in the Roman Empire. |
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The Charleroi area was already settled in the prehistoric period, with traces of metallurgical and commercial activities along the Sambre. |
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Heavy fighting took place during World War I due to the city's strategic location on the Sambre. |
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To the north of the Sambre and Meuse valley lies the Central Belgian plateau, which is characterized by intensive agriculture. |
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Further west the Fifth Army had concentrated on the Sambre by 20 August, facing north either side of Charleroi and east towards the Belgian Fortified Position of Namur. |
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The Sambre is a river in northern France and in Wallonia, Belgium. |
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