Hansa Teutonica

Deutsche Hanse or, in Latin, Hansa Teutonica, are alternative names for the Hanseatic League, an alliance between merchant guilds and (later) between cities originating from lower Germany. Cities that joined the League were called Hansa cities.

The League emerged in the midth of the 12th century without being explicitly founded and there was no formal apply for admission until the second half of the 14th century, so it is almost impossible to tell exactly which cities belonged to the league within this period, but altogether almost 200 cities were directly or indirectly involved.

Players attempt to increase their standing as merchants in the Hanseatic League by gaining prestige points. This may be done in different ways: Establishing a network of Kontors in new Hansa cities may be as promising as improving trading skills.

Players accomplish various activities during their moves. Traders may be inserted on the gameboard, moved, or even displace traders from other players. If they eventually occupy an entire trade route between two cities, a new Kontor may be established. But players may also develop their trading skills instead in particular cities, improving their abilities throughout the course of play. Winner of the game is the player who gains most prestige points.