The Small Towns of the 4th Century

Between 290 and 360, Britain hit the high point of Romano British culture. Small towns had been insignificant in the classical economy but now they grew. The small town played a vital part in the 4th century economy. It turned agricultural produce into taxes and manufactured goods. Meanwhile, investment in the countryside drove improved agricultural production  and often helped crop yields to improve. Heavier plows and imported plowing animals were brought in to cultivate more difficult but still productive soils.