Forces of the Hanseatic League: 13th–15th Centuries

Osprey Men at Arms #494

by David Nicolle, Gerry Embleton (Illustrator)

The famous but largely unchronicled Hanseatic League (or simple "the Hanse/Hansa") was a Tuetonic German commercial and defensive federation of merchant guilds based in harbor towns along the North Sea and Baltic coasts of what are now Germany and her neighbors, which eventually dominated maritime trade in Northern Europe and spread its influence much further afield. The League was formed to protect the economic and political interests of member cities throughout a vast and complex trading network. While most members remained basically subject to the local rulers who profited from their prosperity, in a sense the League might be seen as foreshadowing today's ambiguous relationship between global corporations and political nation states.

The League continued to operate well into the 17th century, but its golden age was between c. 1200 and c. 1500; thereafter it failed to take full advantage of the wave of maritime exploration to the west, south and east of Europe. During its 300 years of dominance the League's large ships - called "cogs" - were at the forefront of maritime technology, were early users of cannon, and were manned by strong fighting crews to defend them from pirates in both open-sea and river warfare. The home cities raised their own armies for mutual defence, and their riches both allowed them, and required them, to invest in fortifications and gunpowder weapons, since as very attractive targets they were subjected to sieges at various times.

Genres: History, Military History, Medieval

48 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2014

About the author

David C. Nicolle is a British historian specialising in the military history of the Middle Ages, with a particular interest in the Middle East.

Reviews

[Shane Kiely]

Surprisingly fitting companion to the previous title I read on this topic, though I possibly read them in the wrong order as it focuses on the late medieval high point of the league as opposed to its slow early modern era decline. As the title would suggest the focus is primarily infantry (tactics, organisation, weapon etc) though this can offer insights into culture, politics and like most Osprey titles provides a good basic historical outline. Good for the medieval weapons nerds.

[Peter Klein]

A quick review of the German Hanseatic League with an emphasis their forces. Covers the 13th thru the 15th centuries.

[Grant]

A solid introduction to the Hansa and the conflicts the trading association fought.

[Henry Kline]

This little book on the Hanseatic League is the most information I have been able to find on the league. Well written but it leaves me wanting to know more.

[S. D. Howarth]

Detailed and more interesting reference material than what I was expecting. Very comprehensive given it's size.