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The Hanseatic League was a powerful commercial and defensive alliance of merchant guilds and market towns in Northern Europe, active from the late 12th to the 17th century. It dominated trade along the Baltic and North Seas, facilitating the exchange of goods like timber, grain, fish, and textiles between regions such as Germany, Scandinavia, and the Low Countries. Key cities like Lübeck, Hamburg, and Riga served as hubs for its extensive network. The League wielded significant political influence, often negotiating treaties and operating independently from regional rulers. Its decline began in the 16th century due to shifting trade routes, internal conflicts, and the rise of nation-states.