What was a defining characteristic of the Medieval Manor's economy?

The defining characteristic of the Medieval Manor's economy was its self-sufficiency through agricultural production. Manors were essentially small, self-contained communities where the local lord would manage the land, and the peasants or serfs working on the manor would produce the food and goods necessary for their daily lives. This agricultural economy was primarily focused on subsistence farming, meaning that the majority of what was produced was consumed locally, rather than being traded.

During the Medieval period, the lack of a widespread currency and the obstacles to travel and trade meant that most manors operated independently. As a result, they raised livestock, grew crops, and produced textiles all within the manor. The economy was designed to meet the needs of the local population, making it largely self-sufficient.

In contrast, the other options highlight economic activities that were less characteristic of the Medieval manor system. While trade did occur, it was not the primary focus of the manor economy. Importing goods from distant lands was uncommon due to the limitations of transportation and trade networks at the time. Additionally, while crafts and manufacturing existed, they were typically not the mainstay of the manor's economy, which was predominantly agricultural. Thus, self-sufficiency through agricultural production is accurately identified as the core