Posts in Ancient Architecture
The Dark Side of Ancient Roman Cities
The Dark Side of Ancient Roman Cities

Rome's history is often presented as a glittering metropolis full of architectural excellence, sophisticated engineering, extensive paved roads, and glorious monuments. Our contemporary entertainment industry romanticizes the tales of Roman emperors, warriors, gladiators, and politicians. When we visit the ruins, we imagine the daily life of ancient Rome as a pageant of prosperity and industriousness that supported the growth of an ancient utopia. These aspects and portrayals of Rome have a degree of truth behind them. However, a darker side of Rome managed to evade the limelight.  

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History, Ancient ArchitectureMitchell Rocheleauancient rome, Roman Architecture History, history of rome, roman city history, history of roman architecture, roman architecture, Rome Architecture, roman architectural history, architectural history rome, collapse of rome, downfall of rome, ancient rome collapse, collapse of ancient rome
Forces that Shaped Ancient Greek Cities and Culture
Forces that Shaped Ancient Greek Cities and Culture

Many factors shaped ancient Greek cities. The natural landscape, climate, religious beliefs, philosophy, literature, politics, law, sport, art, theater, and psychology amalgamated to create genuinely unique cities and a thriving culture. Many aspects of Greek civilizations still form the basis of modern Western culture and society; however, we have also made significant diversions, which I believe deserve close assessment. Can certain aspects and values of ancient Greek cities and culture be re-integrated into our contemporary societies to help improve our current condition?

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History, Ancient ArchitectureMitchell Rocheleauancient greek architecture, ancient greek city, ancient greek city planning, ancient greek architecture history, greek architecture history, architecture history of greece, greek architecture, greek history, greek city planning, history of athens, Athens architecture history
Early History of Cities and The Development of the Urban Form
Early History of Cities and The Development of the Urban Form

How did cities develop? Many of us take our environments for granted without questioning how and why they evolved into the forms we see today. In his book The City in History, Lewis Mumford provides a fascinating account of the history of cities. His interpretation dissects the complex forces that led to their creation. He discusses what forms these forces manifest themselves in throughout human development.

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History, Ancient ArchitectureMitchell Rocheleauancient cities, ancient city, Ancient architecture, ancient civilizations, ancient architecture, history of civilization, history of cities, ancient city history, history of village, human civilization history, civilization history, early human civilizations