Hanseatic cities

Hanseatic cities were part of a powerful trading network in northern Europe during the late Middle Ages, roughly from the 13th to the 17th centuries. The Hanseatic League, a group of merchants and towns, aimed to protect their trade interests, establish common trading practices, and ensure security. Key cities, like Hamburg, Lübeck, and Bremen, thrived on trade in goods like timber, fish, and textiles. This network fostered economic cooperation and cultural exchange among cities across modern-day Germany, Poland, and the Baltic region, significantly influencing commerce and urban development in Europe.