German mercantile and banking dynasty that dominated European business in the 15th16th centuries.
The family business traces its origins to Hans (Johannes) Fugger (13481409), a weaver in Augsburg. Under his grandsons Ulrich (14411510), Georg (14531506), and especially Jakob (14591525), 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 indulgence s 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.