The Hanseatic Cities were part of a powerful trade network in Northern Europe during the late Middle Ages and early modern period. This alliance, known as the Hanseatic League, included cities like Hamburg, Lübeck, and Bremen, which collaborated to protect their trading interests and ensure safe passage for merchants. These cities thrived on commerce, particularly in goods like timber, fish, and grain. The Hanseatic League facilitated trade across the Baltic and North Seas, allowing member cities to gain wealth and influence. The legacy of the Hanseatic Cities can still be seen in their historic architecture and vibrant cultural heritage today.