Exploring the Baltic Sea's historical significance in Northern Europe's development, this overview highlights its geographical characteristics, role in medieval trade, and the cultural interactions along its coast. The Hanseatic League's dominance in regional trade and the sea's enduring impact on the economy and culture of surrounding nations are also examined.
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The Baltic Sea is an expansive body of brackish water in Northern Europe, spanning 1,600 kilometers from north to south and 193 kilometers at its widest point
Latitude and Longitude
The Baltic Sea's coordinates range from 53°N to 66°N latitude and from 20°E to 26°E longitude
Countries in the Drainage Basin
The Baltic Sea's drainage basin includes nine countries, such as Sweden, Finland, and Russia, as well as additional countries like Belarus and Ukraine
The Baltic Sea is connected to the North Sea and the White Sea, providing vital routes for international maritime navigation and trade
The Baltic Sea was a crucial maritime hub for trade and commerce during the Middle Ages, significantly influencing the region's economy
During the Viking Age, Scandinavian traders established extensive trade networks around the Baltic Sea, reaching as far as the Black Sea and southern Russia
Amber Trade
The amber trade, centered around the coasts of present-day Poland, Russia, and Lithuania, dates back to the 12th century and was a highly prized commodity
Iron and Salt Exports
Sweden and Poland utilized the Baltic Sea to export iron and salt, respectively, among other goods
The Hanseatic League, a confederation of merchant guilds and market towns, emerged in the late 12th century and became a dominant economic force in the Baltic region
The Baltic Sea coast witnessed significant settlement and cultural exchange from the 11th century onwards, with German migration playing a prominent role in the southern and eastern regions
The Baltic Sea served as a conduit for not only economic but also cultural interactions among the bordering nations, resulting in a diverse cultural heritage
Despite occasional conflicts, the coastal states generally maintained positive relations, which were crucial for the development of Northern Europe
00
The ______ Sea, a large body of brackish water, is located in Northern Europe and is bordered by the Scandinavian Peninsula, Eastern and Central Europe, and Danish islands.
Baltic
01
Nine countries, including ______, ______, and ______, surround the Baltic Sea, which spans from 53°N to 66°N latitude and 20°E to 26°E longitude.
Sweden
Germany
Russia
02
Viking Age Scandinavian trade expansion
Scandinavian Vikings established trade networks around Baltic Sea, reaching Black Sea and southern Russia.
