Hanseatic League - Places in northern Germany

The Hanseatic League was a powerful trading alliance of northern German cities and towns, active from the 12th to the 17th century. It began with merchants from Luebeck and Hamburg and grew to include over 200 cities across Europe. The League controlled trade in the Baltic and North Seas, dealing in goods like salt, grain, timber, and furs. It had its own legal system and even military power to protect its interests. Although it declined due to national governments gaining strength, its legacy remains visible in historic Hanseatic cities like Luebeck, Bremen, and Hamburg.