The Brotherhood of Blackheads: A Unique Medieval Club - Medievalists.net
Briefly

The Brotherhood of Blackheads, originating from a need for young, unmarried merchants to support each other, uniquely blends military and commercial functions within the Baltic history. Serving both as a militia for Hanseatic towns and a trade association, they adapted to the socio-political climate following the Northern Crusades. Their patron saint, Saint Maurice, symbolizes their identity and commitment to community values, as evidenced by their historical agreements, such as that with the Tallinn Dominican Monastery in 1400, which illustrates their role in local civic and religious life.
The Brotherhood of Blackheads uniquely combined military and commercial functions, forming a city militia while facilitating trade and social events among young, unmarried merchants.
Emerging from the chaos of the Northern Crusades, the Brotherhood reflects a historical transition from warfare to commerce, especially with the rise of the Hanseatic League.
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