Medieval Europe[edit]
Soapmakers in Naples were members of a guild in the late sixth century (then under the control of the Eastern Roman Empire),[18] and in the eighth century, soap-making was well known in Italy and Spain.[19] The Carolingian capitulary De Villis, dating to around 800, representing the royal will of Charlemagne, mentions soap as being one of the products the stewards of royal estates are to tally. The lands of Medieval Spain were a leading soapmaker by 800, and soapmaking began in the Kingdom of England about 1200.[20] Soapmaking is mentioned both as “women’s work” and as the produce of “good workmen” alongside other necessities, such as the produce of carpenters, blacksmiths, and bakers.[21]