2. Empowering Urban Growth Through Salted Fish
Brined fish, particularly herring, became a medieval staple, fueling population booms in cities like Lübeck and Bergen. The Hanseatic League’s dominance was built on controlling this vital food source. Lübeck’s access to the Baltic and North Sea fishing grounds enabled its fishermen to land substantial quantities of herring. The city’s alliance with Hamburg, which controlled access to important salt-trade routes from Lüneburg, facilitated the preservation and distribution of salted herring, making it a cornerstone of the League’s wealth (histclo.com).
