Answer:
agriculture was the basis of the economy.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the early Middle Ages, only a few towns existed because "agriculture was the basis of the economy.".
The Middle Ages began around the fifth century following the end of the "the Western Roman Empire."
During this period, many people care less about town formations, as many favored agricultural practices to survive. Hence, people prefer to stay far away from each other to cultivate a large expanse of land that will be enough for them to survive throughout the year.