The author’s fascination with guilds in medieval history, particularly the Hanseatic League, led to an exploration of how these merchant and craft guilds emerged in Europe. The guild system aimed to create a trade monopoly, maintain quality standards, stabilize prices, and influence local governments. The terms Apprentice, Journeyman, and Master were used to denote proficiency levels within guilds, a hierarchy system originating from the Roman Empire. Guilds focused on training apprentices to ensure the continuity of quality workmanship, consistent goods production, and traditions. Ultimately, guilds served the community by instilling standards, expanding technical knowledge, and providing for towns and families.
https://blog.philosophicalsociety.org/2018/01/10/apprentice-journeyman-and-master-the-medieval-guild/