The Hanseatic League

The Hanseatic League was a powerful alliance of trading cities in northern Europe, primarily active from the 13th to the 17th centuries. It was formed to promote and protect trade interests, enabling member cities—like Lübeck, Hamburg, and Bergen—to cooperate on economic matters, set trading standards, and secure maritime routes. This network facilitated the exchange of goods such as timber, fish, and grain, contributing to the prosperity of its members. The League helped shape trade practices and influenced the development of towns and commerce in the region, leaving a lasting legacy in European economic history.