THE VICISSITUDES OF URBAN LIFE 227Map 15. The Incorporated Cities of MazoviaThe cities of Royal Prussia occupied a special place. Incorporated in the main
in the era before 1454, when they had formed part of the Teutonic State, they
retained a number of characteristic features. For one thing, in Elbing (Elblag),
Dirschau (Tczew), Frauenberg (Frombork), Konitz (Chojnice), Braunsberg
(Braniewo), and Hel, they included the only cities in Poland which adopted the
law of Liibeck as opposed to that of Magdeburg. For another, they were solidly
German. Most importantly, having been received into the Kingdom en bloc as
members of the Prussian League, they were able to negotiate far-reaching tax
exemptions and autonomous privileges. Between 1454 and 1569, they continued
to send their representatives to the provincial Estates of Royal Prussia, and kept
a voice in political affairs beyond their immediate walls. After 1569, together
with Cracow and Wilno they sent 'observers' to the Sejm of the united Republic.
In later years, thanks to the proximity of the Kingdom of Prussia and to the
benefits of Baltic Commerce, they were less affected by the economic recession
than were the cities of the interior. Royal Prussia was the only province of