1. Mesopotamia, Greece and
Rome – early planning
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The first city!
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Cities began to emerge in Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) around 4500 years ago. Ur, the capital of
ancient Sumeria, was the world’s first city. It supported a complex and sophisticated society.!
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Organic yet ‘ideal’!
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The ancient ‘ideal city’ – typified by Athens in the 5th century BC and imperial Rome (c100 BC –
c400 AD) – was not planned. Athens grew from its focal point, the acropolis, which became the
ceremonial centre of the city-state, decked with temples including the Parthenon. These temples,
and other civic buildings of the ancient Greek world, defined the architectural style known as
‘classical’. Below the acropolis was the agora or central market and community space for the
citizens of Athens.!
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While Athens was organic, there were some planned towns in the ancient world. Priene, in Asia
Minor, was a town planned to fit a hilltop site.!
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Ancient Rome grew from a settlement founded around 700 BC on seven hills near the Tiber river.
Its Capitol had a similar function to the Athenian acropolis. And its forums, with temples, baths,
basilicas and colonnades were places for business and recreation. Many of these buildings were in
the classical style copied from Greece.!
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Unlike Rome itself, many cities and towns of the Roman Empire were planned, but mainly as
military camps. They featured a grid with a forum at the centre, and baths, basilicas, amphitheatres
and markets.!
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Reference: http://www.idealcity.org.au/town_planning-2-early_planning.html
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