In the first, Autun, the town-planning is explained by the establishment of the town full-grown under Roman official influence.

Unfortunately, however, little is known of the buildings, and it is difficult to judge of the actual character of the place.

In the second case, Trier, we may conjecture a similar official origin.

At Silchester, official influence seems also to have been at work, and it is not impossible that the fourth case, Caerwent, may be explained by the same cause.

In these two latter, however, it is more important to observe the nature of the towns, which is better known than that of any others in western Europe.