Profit and Power

The Hanseatic League, centered in Lübeck, emerged as a dominant force in Northern Europe during the medieval period, monopolizing trade across the Baltic and North Seas. This study reveals that Lübeck's strategic position and aggressive pursuit of trading privileges enabled the league to achieve its zenith by securing significant concessions from the Danish Empire in 1370. The research highlights how the Hanse cities formed a powerful network within broader global trade routes, establishing strongholds in key financial centers like Bergen, Bruges, London, and Novgorod. By analyzing historical records and trade dynamics, the study underscores the league's role in shaping urban development and economic power structures during this transformative era.

(Ed.). (2024). Profit and Power. World Cities in History, 231–256. https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009444958.010