Meet the Middle Ages
BackThe Town Hansas
In the course of the 14th century, the Hanseatic League was transformed into a league of towns rather than a league of merchants. In this way, the League became stronger and wealthier. Lübeck was established as the leading town.
During the 14th and 15th centuries, the Hanseatic League controlled more or less all trade on the Baltic Sea.
Every year, prominent men from the Hanseatic towns met to take part in special Hanseatic League days, where important decisions were taken.
Gradually, the Hansa divided into five areas. These were: the Wendic, led by Lübeck; the Saxon, led by Braunschweig; the Prussian, led by Danzig; the Livonian led by Riga and the Westphalian led by Köln.