The history of the Netherlands dates back to the early Middle Ages, when the region was part of the Frankish Empire. In the late Middle Ages, the region was part of the Burgundian Netherlands, which eventually became part of the Spanish Empire in the 16th century. In the 17th century, the Dutch Republic emerged as a major seafaring and economic power, which ultimately became the dominant colonial power in the region. In the 19th century, the Netherlands became a constitutional monarchy and in the 20th century it became a parliamentary democracy. The Netherlands has a rich history of art and culture, and is home to many notable landmarks, including the Rijksmuseum, the Anne Frank House, and the Keukenhof Gardens. The country is also known for its distinctive cuisine, which includes Dutch cheeses, herring, and waffles.