Legal Definitions - Hanse Towns

Hanse Towns, also known as hans, refers to a group of German cities that formed an alliance in the 12th century to protect and promote their mutual commercial interests. The cities included in this alliance were Leck, Hamburg, and Bremen, among others. This alliance was commonly known as the Hanseatic League.

The Hanseatic League created a set of maritime laws called the Laws of the Hanse Towns, or Jus Hanseaticum Maritimum, which governed trade and commerce among the member cities. The League's power reached its peak in the 14th century, but gradually declined until its last general assembly in 1669.

For example, the Hanseatic League allowed member cities to establish trading posts in other cities without paying taxes or tariffs. This helped to increase trade and commerce among the member cities, which in turn led to economic growth and prosperity.