Generally, a city was larger and more populous than a town. Cities often served as regional or national centers of power, commerce, and administration, and their populations were typically larger than those of towns.
Towns, on the other hand, were smaller in size and population, often serving as local market centers or hubs for trade and crafts.
Cities had a higher legal status and were typically granted specific rights and privileges by royal or ecclesiastical authorities. These privileges could include the right to hold markets, the establishment of guilds, the ability to govern themselves, and sometimes the right to mint coins.
Towns had fewer privileges and were often subject to the authority of a lord or a higher-ranking city.
Cities were more likely to have extensive defensive structures, such as fortified walls, gates, and towers, to protect their larger populations and valuable assets. Towns might also have some defensive measures, but they were usually less extensive compared to cities.
Cities were important centers of trade, commerce, and administration. They had a broader range of economic activities, including specialized craft industries, financial institutions, and markets that attracted merchants from far and wide.
Cities also played a significant role in cultural and intellectual life, hosting universities, religious institutions, and prestigious events. Towns, on the other hand, focused more on local trade, basic crafts, and services that catered to the needs of their immediate region.
Cities often had their own governing bodies, such as a city council or a mayor, which allowed them a degree of self-governance and autonomy.
Towns were usually governed by a lord, a local noble, or were subject to the authority of a nearby city.
It’s important to note that these distinctions were not universally applied and varied depending on the specific region, historical context, and local customs.
The definitions and characteristics of medieval towns and cities were not standardized, leading to some overlap and ambiguity in classification.
