A historian argues that the political role of guilds in medieval European cities went well beyond regulating crafts, often shaping urban governance, public works, and even foreign relations.
Which evidence, if true, would the historian most likely cite to support this argument?
- A
Some guilds maintained their own buildings.
- B
Guild members often lived in specific neighborhoods.
- C
Many guilds had elaborate rituals of initiation.
- Dcheck_circle
Surviving city records from across medieval Europe show guilds appointing council members, funding city walls and bridges, and negotiating with foreign merchants on behalf of their cities.
Explanation
A documents guilds participating in governance, public works, and foreign relations, the historian's specific claim. B, C, and D are tangential.