| Legacy | Global trade, economic power, political influence |
| Founded | 15th century |
| Purpose | Regulate trade, set standards, political influence |
| Dominant era | 15th century - 20th century |
| Headquarters | Rotating between member cities |
| Member states | Multiple European and Mediterranean trading cities and city-states |
| Key industries | Trade (spices, textiles, metals, wine, grains, luxury goods) • Banking • Insurance |
| Founding cities | Venice • Lubeck • Genoa • Antwerp |
