ENTRY TYPE
General |
SUMMARY
The guilds were unions, or associations of craftsmen and professionals in the cities, under the monitoring of the state. They were formed for the protection of their members’ interests and the transmission of practical knowledge (via the apprenticeship), and they also exerted political influence. The guilds in the capital were under the direct control of the prefect of the City (praefectus urbi). Since practically their dependence from the state was limited, they constituted one of the poles of power in Constantinople. From the beginning of 13th century, the system of guilds seems to fall into decay. |
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