What term describes a self-sufficient economic unit derived from the large agricultural estates of the Roman Empire?

The term that describes a self-sufficient economic unit derived from the large agricultural estates of the Roman Empire is 'Manor.' In the context of the feudal system that emerged in medieval Europe, a manor typically comprised the lord's residence, surrounding villages, farmland, and often included the peasants or serfs who worked the land. Manors functioned as independent economic entities where agricultural production and local governance were managed.

The historical significance of manors lies in their role in the transition from the Roman landholding system to the medieval feudal economy. After the fall of the Western Roman Empire, the manorial system became the dominant form of rural organization, aiding both in local self-sufficiency and in the social structure of the time. Manors not only supported the local population but were also crucial in maintaining the feudal obligations between lords and vassals.

In contrast, while the other terms relate to feudalism, they are not specifically defined as the self-sufficient economic units described. A 'fief' generally refers to land granted to a vassal in exchange for service, 'serfdom' denotes the condition of peasants who were bound to the land and owed labor to a lord, and 'estate' is