The Hanseatic League, a medieval trading network stretching across Northern Europe, was an economic powerhouse of the age. Formed in Northern Germany in the 12th century, over the next five centuries it negotiated with kings, standardised regulations, created ourposts across Europe, blockaded ports and even went to war to protect its trading interests.
In this episode, Dan is joined by Dr. Justyna Wubs-Mrozewicz, associate professor of medieval history at the University of Amsterdam, to discuss the League's unique structure, operations, and legacy. Together, they examine its innovative and flexible approach to trade, politics, and conflict management, how the Hansa functioned without becoming a formal nation-state and its lasting imprint on European history and economics.
To discover more about Justyna's work, please visit her website: https://premodernconflictmanagement.org/
Produced by Dougal Patmore and James Hickmann and edited by Dougal Patmore.
Join Dan and the team for a special LIVE recording of Dan Snow's History Hit on Friday, 12th September 2025!
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