The Life and Death of Ancient Cities: A Natural History

The human race is on a 10,000-year urban adventure, with almost all of us living in cities by the end of this century. This book tells the story of the rise and fall of ancient cities from the end of the Bronze Age to the beginning of the Middle Ages, focusing on the ancient Mediterranean. It explores how cities were first created and sustained in harsh environments, and how they were inhabited by different generations of people. The story highlights the perils and rewards of an urban existence and the monuments that have inspired city builders ever since.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 528 pages
Publication date: 25 August 2022
Publisher: Oxford University Press

The human race is embarking on a remarkable 10,000-year urban journey, a transformation that has seen our ancestors wander the planet or live in scattered villages. By the end of this century, almost all of us will reside in cities, marking a significant shift in our way of life. However, this journey has not been without its challenges, as urban civilizations have risen and fallen numerous times throughout history. The ruins of these ancient cities continue to captivate us, serving as a testament to the grandeur and resilience of human civilization.

This book delves into the rise and fall of ancient cities from the end of the Bronze Age to the beginning of the Middle Ages. It is a captivating tale of war, politics, pestilence, famine, triumph, and tragedy, unfolding in the ancient Mediterranean region. While the focus is primarily on the Greeks and Romans, other civilizations such as the Phoenicians, Etruscans, Persians, Gauls, and Egyptians also play pivotal roles in shaping the narrative.

The story begins with the Greek discovery of much more ancient urban civilizations in Egypt and the Near East. It charts the gradual spread of urbanism to the Atlantic and then the North Sea in the centuries that followed. The ancient Mediterranean was a harsh environment for urbanism, yet cities managed to thrive in these challenging surroundings. How were these cities first created and sustained for so long? How did they provide for their inhabitants' basic needs such as food, water, and building materials? What were the challenges they faced, and why did their rulers eventually abandon them?

The book also explores the diverse urban worlds that existed in the ancient Mediterranean. Cities were plunged into darkness every night, dominated by the temples of the gods, inhabited by farmers, slaves, soldiers, and a wide range of other social groups. The inhabitants of these cities had unique experiences and challenges that shaped their lives and societies.

Ultimately, the chief characters in this story are the cities themselves. Athens and Sparta, Persepolis and Carthage, Rome and Alexandria—cities that formed great families and left an indelible mark on history. Their stories encompass the history of the generations of people who built and inhabited these cities, their triumphs and tragedies, and the lasting impact they had on the world.

This book offers a fascinating glimpse into the rich tapestry of ancient urban civilizations and provides valuable insights into the development of human society. It is a must-read for anyone interested in history, culture, and the complexities of human civilization.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 136 x 215 x 46 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780199664740