Scandinavia in the Baltic Sea Region

Introduction: Scandinavia and the Baltic experienced significant change during the medieval period, including its perception by other European peoples. At the beginning of the period, it was a region largely unknown to the literate societies in the west. By the end of the medieval era, it was a known entity that had been largely integrated into the west European system both culturally and economically. This change occurred during three major periods of trade, cultural exchange, and armed conflict: the so-called Viking Age, which was centered in Scandinavia but also impacted upon other areas of the Baltic, the Northern Crusades, and the formation of the Hanseatic League.