As part of the preparations for the 1st International Fugger Youth Conference in October 2025 in Almadén, Spain, the Erasmus+ group from the Jakob-Fugger-Gymnasium visited the Fugger and Welser Experience Museum in Augsburg. The aim of the visit was to gain a better understanding of the historical and economic context surrounding Jakob Fugger and his connection to mining – in particular the mercury mines in Almadén.
The tour, led by deputy museum director Katharina Dehner, began with an introduction to the career of Jakob Fugger, who is considered one of the most important merchants and bankers in European history. Particular emphasis was placed on the role of mining in the rise of the Fugger dynasty. The family’s wealth was based not only on financial transactions, but also on trade in metals such as silver, copper, and later mercury.
A central focus of the tour was the question:
How did the Fuggers come into contact with the mercury mines in Almadén?
The students learned that the Fuggers began to take an interest in the Spanish mines in the course of their economic expansion in the 16th century. The mercury mines of Almadén were of strategic importance, as mercury was essential for the amalgamation of silver. The first Fuggers in Spain were representatives of the trading company who established business relationships and concluded contracts with the Spanish crown on behalf of the family.
Another part of the tour was devoted to the trade in metals and the question of what mercury was used for. In addition to silver extraction, mercury also played a role in medicine and alchemy. Participants also gained insights into the work in mines, which often took place under extreme conditions and posed great health risks for many workers.
The visit to the museum was a valuable opportunity for the Erasmus+ group to learn about the history of the Fuggers and their international trade relations. The insights gained will form a valuable basis for the upcoming conference in Almadén, where the students will present their research findings and exchange ideas with young people from other countries.
teacher of Mathmatics, Physics and Computer Science at Jakob-Fugger-Gymnasium Augsburg and project coordinator