In the 3rd century, the town was a prosperous settlement, and by the start of the 4th, it had become a hub of villas. It has also been suggested that the town was reorganised as a centre of taxation, administration, and military functions later in the 4th century AD, coinciding with the addition of the defensive stone wall. However, the Roman withdrawal from Britain 410 caused Cunetio to rapidly decline in importance, until it was completely abandoned.