The Hanse
Since the 12th century, merchants from the Low German-speaking area have spanned a far-reaching trade network across political borders. In the Baltic region, they dominated the markets in the Middle Ages. In the west, their trading area extended to England, in the east as far as Russia. At their most important trading centres abroad, the merchants established branches, which are later called “Kontore”. The four largest of them were set up in Novgorod, Bruges, London and Bergen. The rulers of these countries granted the merchants trading rights, so-called privileges.
Over time, merchants from around 200 cities belonged to the association, which first called itself the "Cities of the German Hanse" in the 14th century. In addition to mutual confidence and a common legal culture, the Hanse merchants were united above all by their common language, Low German.
To transport their goods, Hanse merchants used land and water routes. A large part of the transfer of goods took place on all navigable waterways (seas, lakes and rivers), since this method caused the lowest costs. In return, large quantities of goods could be transported.
History at your fingertips
Where better to explore the myth of the Hanse than in Lübeck? The Hanse period had a significant influence on the economy and life at that time. The European Hanse Museum tells the story of the rise and crisis of this former economic power. Visitors embark on a journey through 800 years of Hanse history - from the daring of the merchants, life abroad, wealth and speculation to illness and death. A modern new museum building with staged rooms, the lavishly restored castle friary and an archaeological excavation site invite visitors to explore.
Underwater archaeology and the Hanse
For a long time, archaeology played only a minor role in the study of the Hanse. Since the middle of the 20th century, however, underwater and urban archaeology in particular have provided new insights regarding the material legacies of merchants and settlers of the Hanse area. This core area is geographically defined by the outermost trading settlements in the North Sea and Baltic Sea of the merchants living there. Through the exploration of trade and ship finds, harbours, trading places and waterways of the 12th to 18th centuries, underwater archaeology now contributes significantly to the history of the Hanse.
Other main topics of this conference are:
- New Research on Underwater Archaeology from the North, Maritime Spatial Planning, and Divers as Confidants for Movable and Immovable Cultural Monuments or Volunteer Ground Monuments Preservationists.
- Reports on new research in other areas of nautical, underwater and wetland archaeology in general are also welcome