The Fugger family was a prominent banking family in Germany during the late Middle Ages and the Renaissance. Founded by Jakob Fugger in the early 16th century, they became one of the wealthiest families in Europe, primarily through trade, mining, and banking. Their financial influence extended to various European monarchs and the Holy Roman Empire. The Fuggers were known for their patronage of the arts and architecture, contributing to the cultural landscape of Augsburg, their hometown. They financed the construction of several important buildings, including the Fugger Chapel in St. Anna's Church. Their legacy continues to be studied in the context of economic history and the rise of capitalism.