Terms and People -

Jacob Fugger - German mercantile and banking dynasty that dominated European business in the 15th-16th centuries. The family business traces its origins to Hans (Johannes) Fugger (1348-1409), a weaver in Augsburg. Under his grandsons Ulrich (1441-1510), Georg (1453-1506), and especially Jakob (1459-1525), the company became established in international trade, including the lucrative spice and slave trades, and built a fortune in copper and silver mining. Their loans to various kings and emperors and involvement with the sale of papal indulgences made family members highly influential in E…