Temples of Blackmoor (BMPG Analysis)

[Havard]

The Blackmoor Player's Guide lists the following number of temples spread around the towns of the Kingdom of Blackmoor:

Archlis: 8
Blackmoor: 11 (Major Temples to Baldin, Pacuun and Odir)
B. Bottom: 7
Booh 4
Bramwald: 9 (Major Temple to Fronaus)
Dragonia: 10
Erak : 9
Glendower: 9
Jackport : 9 (Major Temple to Elgath in the outskirts of town)
Kenville : 8 (Major Temple to Sollus)
Maus : 9 (Major Temples to Mwajin and Phellia)
L. Gloomy : 7
Newgate : 10 (Major Temple to Henrin)
Ramshead : 10
S. Pim : 7
Vestfold : 9
Williamsfort: 9


Now, looking at the populations of each of these small towns and villages, the number of temples found in each town does not strike me as very realistic. Although there are towns in Europe with ridiculous numbers of churches, these churches were in most cases built over a period of nearly 2000 years. The Thonian Empire has only been around for 1030 years.

How to read this:
I suggest that "temple" should simply read as a very small shrine, in many cases found within another temple. Major temple OTOH, is a significant building in that settlement. This means Blackmoor has 3 actual temples, which is perhaps not so bad. It is perhaps more surprising that Vestfold has no major temple, but OTOH this is a town dominated by Wizards and mundane powers rather than the servants of the divine.

Another thing of note is the presence of a Major Temple to Sollus in the small town of Kenville. This is really helpful in getting more of an impression of that town. It seems that Druids have a significant presence there for instance.

Thoughts?

-Havard