

The Hanseatic League
History of the Germans
Though the Hanseatic League ended formally in 1669, this medieval associations of merchants still casts a spell. Many cities along the Baltic and North Sea are proud to call themselves Hanseatic. But what was it about this organisation (if it even was one) that had no permanent institutions, not even a register of members and started out at the far fringes of the global trading system that feels still so relevant. This podcast series tries to get to the bottom of this.
Episodes are 30-35 min long and are published every Friday.
The Hanseatic League is also Season 6 of the History of the Germans Podcast, a narrative history of the German people from 919 to 1991: https://podfollow.com/history-of-the-germans
Episodes are 30-35 min long and are published every Friday.
The Hanseatic League is also Season 6 of the History of the Germans Podcast, a narrative history of the German people from 919 to 1991: https://podfollow.com/history-of-the-germans
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 22, 2023 • 38min
Episode 1 - Gotlandfahrer
Explore the fascinating workings of the Hanseatic League, where mutual trust was the cornerstone of trade success. Discover the adventurous lives of 12th-century merchants, navigating dangers both at sea and on land. Learn about essential trade routes and key commodities, from honey to salt, that fueled economic interactions between North and East. Delve into the significant role of Gotland's seafaring inhabitants in this vibrant trade network. Uncover how cooperation and quality control transformed these merchant societies into powerful alliances.


