I have mentioned the Hanseatic League before, but here is a quick recap. The Hanseatic League was a medieval commercial and defensive network of merchant guilds and market towns in Central and Northern Europe. Growing from a few North German towns in the late 12th century, the League expanded between the 13th and 15th centuries and ultimately encompassed nearly settlements across eight modern-day countries, ranging from Estonia in the north and east, to the Netherlands in the west.
The League began as a collection of loosely associated groups of German traders and various towns aiming to expand their mutual commercial interests, including protection against robbery.
Over time, these arrangements evolved into the Hanseatic League, offering traders toll privileges and protection on both affiliated territory and their trade routes.
Growing economic interdependence among influential merchant families led to deeper political integration and the removal of trade barriers. This gradual process also saw the emergence of standardized trade regulations. Those who became wealthy because of trade, built churches, warehouses, and imposing homes. They had an almshouse and hospital long before they were customary. Today the historic old town retains that wealthy look.
The old town has the highest number of tall church towers worldwide. The cathedral, built in the 13th century, was the first large brickwork church in the Baltic region. It retained its independent city-state status until , and was the last city in Germany to succumb to Nazi power. All higher education in Germany is free and they pay students a stipend to stay in school. Ali spoke excellent English because all education in Pakistan is in English starting with First Grade. When we arrived in the old town, Ali turned us over to Christa.
