Description

A commercial and defensive federation of merchant guilds based in harbour towns along the North Sea and Baltic coasts, the Hanseatic League 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. 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. David Nicolle explores these approaches, as well as the fortifications and gunpowder weapons they invested in, to protect them from the sieges they were subjected to.

Featuring specially commissioned artwork, this is first detailed, illustrated study in English of the fighting men, weapons and ships of the greatest mercantile and naval power of medieval northern Europe.

Table of Contents

Introduction: origins and nature of the League
Knights and militias, 13th–14th centuries/ Hanseatic shipping: the 'cog', its capabilities and influence; armed ships and piracy; river trade and river wars
Fortified ports and siege warfare/ Introduction of cannon by land and sea
The League in the late 15th century: the 'age of discoveries', from peak of prosperity to decline
Select bibliography
Plate commentaries
Index

Product details

Published 20 Apr 2014
Format Ebook (Epub & Mobi)
Edition 1st
Extent 48
ISBN 9781782007814
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 40 b/w; 8 col
Series Men-at-Arms
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

David Nicolle

David Nicolle is Visiting Research Fellow at the I…

Illustrator

Gerry Embleton

Gerry Embleton has been a leading illustrator an…

Resources

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