Based on a historical overview, it is stated that the origin of Freemasonry dates back to a period known as ancient/legendary, in the mid-5th century BC, beginning with the construction of the Temple of Solomon. Following this period, the medieval/operative and modern/speculative periods are also noteworthy.

Associations of artisans, working in the same professions, were founded by the  Collegia Fabrorum  of the Roman Empire during the medieval period. In Germany, similar entities were called “GUILDS”. The main objective of these groups was to entrust the secrets of the professions to a select few, after a long period of apprenticeship.

Thus, the Freemasons of the legendary and medieval ages are considered operative masons, due to the manual labor that many performed in the construction of palaces, cathedrals, mausoleums, and bridges, while intellectual work was carried out by only a few.

However, with the decline in cathedral construction during the 17th century, many guilds of manual laborers began to accept learned citizens as members, labeled as “accepted masons.” This marked the beginning of the modern period, in which Freemasonry took on a speculative character.

However, with the decline in cathedral construction during the 17th century, many guilds of manual laborers began to accept learned citizens as members, labeled as “accepted masons.” This marked the beginning of the modern period, in which Freemasonry took on a speculative character.

This evolution is considered the beginning of the Masonic Order, as it is known today. In 1717, the first Grand Lodge in the world was formed through the union of four Masonic Lodges in London, England. From then on, other Lodges and Grand Lodges came to be recognized in many countries.

Freemasons often refer to Freemasonry as an “Ancient Institution,” considering that its foundation in tradition dates back to historical origins built over time, sometimes unrecorded and unknown.