The paper addresses the study of “small towns” of Volga Bolgaria, which were an important element in the feudalization process and the economic life of any state in the Middle Ages. The author draws attention to the history of the study of the issue and methods of its resolution. Particular attention is drawn to the areas of Bolgar fortified settlements, which is important in distinguishing this category of fortified settlements from the overall number of such Bolgar monuments. There is no doubt that the settlement’s size within the defensive lines alone cannot be the only indicator of social status. One should take into account the area of the adjoining suburbs, the thickness of their cultural layer, as well as the nature and amount of archaeological material.