(Past reference - Post BENICIO: The Master Mason)

The history of guilds dates back to the medieval period, originating as associations of artisans and merchants who banded together to regulate their crafts, control trade, and protect their economic interests. These organizations set standards for quality, determined prices, and managed training through apprenticeships, playing a crucial role in shaping the economic and social structure of towns and cities across Europe.

In the guild system, there were two main types: Merchant Guilds and Craft Guilds. Merchant Guilds controlled trade and commerce within towns, managing economic policies and market regulations. Craft Guilds, on the other hand, regulated specific trades or crafts, focusing on standards, apprenticeships, and the quality of work. Typically, Merchant Guilds wielded greater power, as they influenced the broader economic activities and held sway over the trade policies that affected entire towns and regions, making them pivotal in mercantilist strategies.

Maya has done up two tables, depicting a Craft and a Merchant Guild; the first one that outlines three powerful Craft Guilds from historical times and examples of their significant contributions to their respective societies and economies:

These guilds exemplified the power and influence that such organizations could wield during their peak. They not only controlled the economic activities within their trades but also played significant roles in shaping the broader economic policies of their regions, often impacting international trade and economic development.

Now a table outlining three historical Merchant Guilds, detailing their functions and providing specific examples of their influence and operations:

Thank you for your time ❤️