Fugger family

Fugger family

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 European politics and earned them the criticism of Martin Luther. The family's influence declined after the 16th century, but three titled lines survived into the 20th century.