The City in Antiquity

City in Antiquity is a comprehensive study that holistically examines the phenomenon of the ancient city from the perspective of settlement geography, within a broad historical framework ranging from the Ancient Near East to Greek and Roman cities. Frank Kolb demonstrates that the ancient city is not merely a physical settlement model; it must be evaluated together with its social structure, rural relations, and historical development process.

Examining the chronological development of urban planning through numerous settlement examples in Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean basin, the work offers a scientific perspective on the planning and social life of ancient cities. The relationship between urban and rural areas is addressed in light of archaeological and historical data, while urban models from different periods are evaluated comparatively.

Originally titled Die Stadt Im Altertum, this work is a fundamental reference that explains the formation of ancient cities through cause-and-effect relationships. It offers a holistic view, extending from building scale to urban planning, making the historical development of ancient cities more understandable.

Who is this for?

• Those interested in ancient Greek and Roman history
• Students of urban history and urban planning
• Archaeologists and classical period researchers
• Readers interested in the social and spatial development of ancient cities