2. ECONOMY AND SOCIETY IN CASTILLA THE ECONOMY OF CASTILLA 1. The wool industry: It was very important Sheep was moved long distances along noth- south routes called ca単adas. Sheep grazed in the north in the summer and were taken south to pasture during the winter. In 1273 AlfonsoX grouped the main sheep owner together in an organisation called he Mesta. The Mesta supervised great migrations of sheep across Castilla. Castilian wool was exported in large quantities to regions like Flanders. 2. Comercial activity: - With other countries: - It was connected to the rise of the wool industry. - The increase in wool exports to northen countries led to the rise of ports on the Cantabrian coast: Bilbao, Laredo and Santander. - Iron was also exported. - Inside Spain: - Commercial activity was modest - There were important trade fairs like Medina del campo. - There was some cloth production by craftsmen in the northern submeseta. 3. Agriculture: - Cereals were grown - Vines were grown for wine. - Olives for oil. - Most of the land was owned by the aristocracy nd the church.
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