 Between the 12th century and 16th century, the area was one of the most prolific wool producers in Europe.This prosperity continued until the end of the Transhumance, an annual sheep drive south to Apulia, which ceased in the 1850s.Though Castel del Monte continued to produce wool, pecorino cheese and lamb, the economy never recovered to its pre-1850s level and the town's population steadily declined.