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The Hanseatic League: everything you wanted to know

The Hanseatic League: everything you wanted to know

Professor Sheilagh Ogilvie answers your questions on a mysterious medieval federation that dominated trade in northern Europe

Spencer Mizen

Published: January 12, 2025 at 7:00 AM

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The Hanseatic League was often compared to a crocodile, because it was a shadowy, somewhat sinister entity that kept its true intentions concealed. Here, in conversation with Spencer Mizen, Professor Sheilagh Ogilvie answers listener questions on this medieval trading federation. She considers whether it was a precursor to the European Union, what tactics it employed to intimidate nation states and how it helped King Edward III secure the English throne.

Authors

Spencer MizenSenior production editor

Spencer is senior production editor of HistoryExtra magazine