Making Ancient Cities: Space and Place in Early Urban Societies

This book explores how the structure and use of space in cities have developed and changed, and the role of different societal groups in shaping urbanism. It examines diverse case studies to understand how ancient cities were made by the people who lived in them, arguing that urban form is socially produced through the actions and interactions of individuals, groups, and institutions.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 441 pages
\n Publication date: 24 October 2019
\n Publisher: Cambridge University Press
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This comprehensive volume delves into the intricate evolution and transformation of urban spaces, exploring the multifaceted influences of various societal groups on the shaping of urbanism. Through a rich tapestry of culturally and chronologically diverse case studies, it seeks to examine recent theoretical and methodological shifts in the archaeology of ancient cities. At its core, the book aims to unravel the intricate processes by which ancient cities were constructed and inhabited by the people who called them home. The authors posit a compelling argument that there exists a mutually constituting relationship between urban form and the actions, interactions, and motivations of a diverse range of individuals, groups, and institutions, each with their unique identities and objectives. Consequently, space emerges as a socially produced outcome of these agents' operations within multiple spheres.

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The study of urban spaces is a captivating field that explores the intricate development and transformation of cities over time. It examines the role of various societal groups, including individuals, communities, institutions, and governments, in shaping urbanism. Through a comprehensive analysis of culturally and chronologically diverse case studies, researchers seek to understand the recent theoretical and methodological shifts in the archaeology of ancient cities.

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At its core, the study of urban spaces seeks to understand how ancient cities were constructed and inhabited by the people who lived in them. The authors argue that there is a mutually constituting relationship between urban form and the actions and interactions of a diverse range of individuals, groups, and institutions. Space is therefore socially produced as these agents operate within multiple spheres, such as economic, social, political, and cultural realms.

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One of the key insights from the study of urban spaces is that space is not a static entity but is constantly evolving and being shaped by the actions and interactions of its users. Different societal groups have different needs and desires, which in turn influence the way they use and perceive space. For example, urban planners and architects design cities with specific purposes in mind, such as transportation, housing, and commerce. They consider factors such as land use, density, and accessibility to create functional and sustainable urban environments.

\n Weight: 828g\n
Dimension: 177 x 254 x 31 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781107660700\n \n