
Hanseatic towns
Hanseatic towns were part of the Hanseatic League, a medieval commercial alliance formed in the late 12th century in Northern Europe. This network of trading cities, primarily around the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, allowed towns like Lübeck, Bremen, and Hamburg to collaborate for mutual economic benefit. They established trade routes, regulated commerce, and provided mutual protection, fostering economic growth and cultural exchange. The league's influence peaked in the 14th century, and its legacy is visible today in the architecture and history of these towns, which played a key role in shaping regional trade and prosperity.