HANSE

TOWNS, certain German, and other commercial cities of Northern Europe, a ociated for the protection of commerce, and united by the Jlanseatio League. The Baltic ports made an alliance in the 13th century, and in 1247 were joined by Brunswick, which resulted in the Hansa or league. It was most important about the end of the 14th century, having armies and navies of its own. In 1813 Liibeck, Bremen, Hamburg, and Frankfort-on-the-Main were included in these towns, though the last separated in 1866.