* Gradual Evolution: Guilds emerged slowly and organically, developing from informal associations of craftspeople.
* Lack of Documentation: Early guilds might not have left clear written records of their formation.
* Regional Variation: Guilds developed at different times in different regions of Europe.
However, we can offer some general information:
* Early Evidence: Some scholars believe that guilds may have existed as early as the 9th century in parts of Europe.
* Formalization: By the 11th and 12th centuries, guilds were becoming more formally structured and widespread.
Instead of a single "first" guild, it's more accurate to think about the gradual evolution of guilds over centuries. The rise of these organizations was a key feature of medieval European society, shaping trade, craft production, and social life.