Tiel as a Trading and Hanseatic City

The second narrative revolves around Tiel as a trading and Hanseatic city. Tiel was a major trading center, akin to the Rotterdam of a thousand years ago. Around the year 1000, Tiel had its own currency. During this time, there was intensive trade with Northern Europe. The city’s significance as a trading hub is evidenced by the discovery of Tiel coins in the Baltic states.

Many ships sailed under the Tiel flag, granting them necessary toll exemptions.

By the end of the 12th century, Tiel’s role as a prominent trading city had diminished. The silting of the Linge River (no longer navigable to the north) and the loss of Imperial support from the German Empire led to the decline of Tiel’s maritime trade.

However, toll exemptions remained in place for a considerable time, even after 1400 when Tiel joined the Hanseatic League. Around 1650, the Hanseatic League began to lose its significance. Nowadays, there is significant interest in the history of the Hanseatic League, and there is collaboration among Hanseatic cities in tourism and culture.

Both the immediate surroundings and the city of Tiel itself are archaeological treasure troves. In the fall of 2022, public excavations were organized at Bleekveld before new construction plans were implemented. Alongside various artifacts, plastic tokens from the annual fair were also unearthed. This provides a comprehensive understanding of the city’s history and its inhabitants.