2. THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF CITIES WHAT IS A CITY? - Characteristics: 1. Population size: - Cities have large populations and high population density. (In some countries, settlements with over 10,000 inhabitants are considered cities). 2. Economic activity: - The inhabitants of cities work in the services sector and industry. 3. Space: They have high density construction and tall buildings. They have services and transport infrastructures. 4. Lifestyle: People from different origins live in cities. Lifestyle based on a high degree of social mobility and cultural interaction. *there have been several stages in their development: pre-industrial, industrial and post-industrial.
2. THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF CITIES -
THE PRE-INDUSTRIAL CITY Cities that existed before the Industrial Revolution of the 19 th century. They were centres of political and religious authority. They also were places where commercial and economic activities were carried out. They were smaller than modern cities and did not have big populations. Ancient cities: - The earliest cities were built in Mesopotamia, China and India. - Other ancient samples were Greek and Roman cities: - They had good streets, sanitation and other facilities. - They were built on a grid pattern.
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Medieval Europe cities: - They were walled cities and the did not have a standard plan. - Their streets were very narrow - Cathedrals and markets were built on the main square in the centre of the city.
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In the Renaissance and Baroque Europe: - Order and systematic planning were rediscovered - Attempts to improve the appearance of cities and make them healthier places to live in.
2. THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF CITIES INDUSTRIAL CITIES
- Cities were transformed during the Industrial Revolution that began in some parts of Europe and North America in the 19 th century. - Factories and small workshops were built inside cities. - People moved away from he countryside to live near their new workplaces. - Urban areas increased in size - Old city walls were pulled down - Railway stations and new streets were built. - New residential districts were created. - City extensions (ensanches)with large, comfortable houses for wealthy people. - Poorer people lived in unhealthy conditions in orking-class districts.
2. THE ORIGINS AND HISTORY OF CITIES -
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POST-INDUSTRIAL CITIES In developedcountries, cities have been transformed over the last 50 years. Factories have been moved away from city centres and set up in industrial parks. Offices, shopping centres and residential housing are all found in places where factories used to be located. Improvements in public transport and the increased use of cars have made that people can find good housing at reasonable prices if they decide to live further away. As a consequence, metropolitan areas have emerged: - They are made up of a main urban centre and its surrounding territories.