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Questions and Answers
What was a necessary requirement for managing agricultural surplus in early cities?
What was a necessary requirement for managing agricultural surplus in early cities?
Which feature was commonly found in early cities to address defensive needs?
Which feature was commonly found in early cities to address defensive needs?
How did religion contribute to the structure of early urban societies?
How did religion contribute to the structure of early urban societies?
What was a major factor leading to the emergence of marketplaces in early cities?
What was a major factor leading to the emergence of marketplaces in early cities?
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Which region has been identified as having some of the earliest cities around 4750 B.C.?
Which region has been identified as having some of the earliest cities around 4750 B.C.?
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What distinguished early cities from other settlements?
What distinguished early cities from other settlements?
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Which of the following factors was crucial for the physical location of ancient cities?
Which of the following factors was crucial for the physical location of ancient cities?
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What role did technological innovation play in the development of early cities?
What role did technological innovation play in the development of early cities?
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Which of the following best describes the emergence of elites in early cities?
Which of the following best describes the emergence of elites in early cities?
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What is a key characteristic of the term 'civilisation' in the context of ancient cities?
What is a key characteristic of the term 'civilisation' in the context of ancient cities?
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Study Notes
Introduction to Cities
- Cities historically distinguished by larger populations, specialized economies, and reduced agricultural involvement.
- Early cities were centers of political, economic, and social power.
- Economic activities (agrarian, merchant, capitalist, industrial) were primary drivers of urban growth.
- Early cities were important sites for political change and centralized power.
- They were also centers of cultural innovation and change.
Preconditions for Urban Formation
- Ancient cities emerged with the first agricultural revolution (6000-8000 years ago).
- Most modern cities are less than 300 years old.
- "City" and "civilization" share a Latin root, referring to complex socio-cultural organization under centralized authority.
- Early cities were often located in sub-tropical, temperate, or Mediterranean climates with fertile soil, water sources, and defensible terrain.
- Technological advancements were crucial, including irrigation, food storage/transport, and building techniques.
- Social organization and power structures were essential to regulate city life, with elites controlling resources and other groups.
- Early cities functioned economically as centers for extraction and redistribution of resources from surrounding areas.
Theories of Urban Origins
- No single cause explains city origins; multiple theories exist.
- Agricultural Surplus Theory: Food surplus led to social surplus, division of labor, increased social organization, centralized authority, and early forms of taxation.
- Religious Theory: Religion linked to social power; temples were prominent; elites held political and spiritual authority; priestly class emerged; theocracy developed.
- Defensive Needs Theory: Fortification was common; military class emerged to protect resources.
- Trading Requirements Theory: Complex economies fueled trade, leading to marketplaces and economic diversification; merchant class emerged.
Patterns of Early Urbanization
- Debate exists on whether cities developed independently or diffused from a single origin.
- Some of the earliest cities were in Mesopotamia (4750 BC).
- Other early urban centers included the Nile River valley, Yellow River valley, West Africa, and Mesoamerica.
- Later, large empires (Roman, Han/Tang, Islamic) fostered significant urban growth.
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Description
Explore the historical development of cities, their significance in politics, economics, and culture. Understand the key preconditions for urban formation and the evolution of cities over time. This quiz will challenge your knowledge of how ancient and modern urban centers emerged.
