Unit 7 ap human

Urban geography studies how cities function, their internal structures, and external influences.
Two main subfields:
- Systems of cities: Focuses on where cities are located, their functions, and how they connect regionally and globally.
- Internal cities: Examines land use, transportation, segregation, architecture, and development within cities.

Urban areas are nucleated (having a core) and depend on nonagricultural jobs.
City vs. Town:
- Towns are smaller and less complex than cities but still have business centers.
- Cities include Central Business Districts (CBDs) and are usually surrounded by suburbs.
Suburbs: Residential areas near cities that rely on them economically but have their own governments.
Urbanized areas: Continuous city development where political boundaries are mostly imaginary.
Metropolitan Areas: A large functional unit, often including multiple urban areas.
- Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA): A city of at least 50,000 people plus surrounding counties.
- Micropolitan Statistical Area: Smaller version with 10,000–50,000 people and surrounding dependent counties.

Hamlet: Smallest cluster of homes with basic services (e.g., a gas station).
Village: Larger, with more specialized businesses.
Town: More functional specialization (e.g., banks, schools, libraries) and an economic hinterland (dependent rural areas).
City: Larger population, clear CBD, and surrounding suburbs.
Megalopolis: Multiple cities merged together, e.g., Bosnywash (Boston to Washington, D.C.).

Large size: Urban residents know fewer people personally compared to rural areas.
High density:
- Leads to job specialization, competition for space, and higher property values.
- Can cause social inequality as wealthier groups dominate certain areas.
Social heterogeneity:
- Cities attract diverse populations with unique cultures, lifestyles, and professions.
- Urban areas offer anonymity but may also lead to isolation and loneliness.

Cities develop in response to human needs and activities, influenced by political, economic, and cultural factors.
Geography plays a key role:
- Political: A settlement chosen as a capital can grow into a major city.
- Economic: Cities near harbors or trade routes expand through commerce.
- Cultural: Some cities grow due to their artistic, educational, or religious importance.

Prehistoric Era (before 10,000 years ago): No permanent settlements.
Neolithic Revolution (~10,000 years ago): Agriculture led to permanent villages.
Early Cities (~3000 B.C.E.):
- Irrigation & surplus farming → Job specialization.
- Emergence of social inequality → Larger houses and landholdings.
- Governments formed to organize resources and build infrastructure.

Formative Era (4000–2000 B.C.E.): States and urban centers emerged in major river valleys:
- Egypt (Nile River)
- Mesopotamia (Tigris & Euphrates Rivers)
- Indus Valley Civilization (Harappa, Mohenjo-Daro)
- China (Huang He River)
- Aegean Civilization (Greek forerunners)

Ancient cities were strategically located near rivers, fertile land, and trade routes.
Governments controlled food supply, taxes, and security (walls for defense).
Key urban functions:
- Political Centers – Capitals of early states.
- Religious Centers – Temples, shrines, priests.
- Economic Hubs – Markets, trade networks.
- Educational Centers – Teachers, philosophers.
Population Limits: Ancient cities typically housed 10,000–15,000 people due to limits in food storage and distribution.

Greek City-States (~2500 years ago): Self-governing communities (e.g., Athens, first city to reach 100,000 people).
Roman Empire (~2nd century C.E.):
- Rome grew to 250,000+ people.
- Extensive road and sea networks connected cities across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.