medieval economy

The medieval economy was primarily based on agriculture, with most people working as farmers producing food for local communities. Manors, or large estates owned by nobles, were the main economic units, where peasants or serfs farmed land in exchange for protection and a portion of the produce. Trade existed, but it was limited and often centered around local markets and fairs. Craftsmen and guilds played a role in producing goods like textiles and metalwork. Money was less common than barter; economies relied heavily on land, labor, and produce, with a strong hierarchical structure influencing economic activities.