03_ancient_classical_athens and rome 2021

Ancient Classical Cities: Greece and Rome

Human Settlement Over Time

  • Classical Era:

    • Spanning from the 8th century BC to the 6th century AD, primarily centered in the Mediterranean.

    • Flourishing of Greek and Roman societies, which had significant influence on Europe, North Africa, and West Asia.

  • Geography's Influence:

    • Topography facilitated the formation of separate city-states.

    • The climate promoted a culture of open-air community engagement, democracy, discussion, and public voice.

Key Planning Achievements of the Greeks (Morris)

  1. The Polis:

    • A city-state central to Greek identity.

    • Aimed to foster citizens' spiritual, moral, and intellectual growth, resembling an extended family.

    • Ideal size debates: Plato suggested 5,000 citizens; Aristotle argued for recognizable acquaintance among citizens.

  2. Characteristics of the Polis:

    • Public spaces emphasized in the design, including temples, stadiums, agoras, and theaters.

    • Private residences were lower and oriented away from bustling streets.

    • The Acropolis served as the community's stronghold and public center.

    • Agora:

      • Central marketplace; heart of social life where political, business, and everyday interactions occurred.

Colonizing Movement

  • Urban Growth Pressures:

    • To relieve population pressures, Greeks established new city settlements across the Mediterranean through emigrant expeditions.

    • This movement expanded trading contacts significantly.

  • Typical Greek City Plan Elements:

    • Acropolis, city walls, agora, residential areas, cultural zones, harbors, and sometimes industrial regions.

Systematic Planned Approach

  • City Design:

    • Compact urban form with clear boundaries and grid layouts facilitated integrated social life.

    • Examples of planned cities include Miletus and Priene.

    • Miletus:

      • Reconstructed after Persian destruction, designed by Hippodamus; notable for its orthogonal street patterns and key Greek features like the agora and theater.

    • Priene:

      • Represents the quintessential polis design, with all aspects harmonized under the Hippodamian planning.

General Principles of Roman Town Planning (Morris)

  • Roman Fortifications:

    • Castra: Military camp or fort that sometimes evolved into permanent settlements.

    • Followed a distinct imperial planning style focused on defense and administration.

  • Key Urban Components:

    • Forum: Central meeting point at the intersection of main streets (Cardo & Decumanus).

    • Types of Imperial Towns:

      • Coloniae: Newly founded or existing towns with full Roman rights.

      • Municipia: Important tribal centers with partial Roman citizenship.

      • Civitates: Tribal administrative centers retained under Roman influence.

    • Organization:

      • Rome was divided into administrative regions and four main vici with distinct governing officials.

Urban Form in Rome

  • Foundational Myths:

    • Origin story involving Romulus and Remus.

  • Engineering Marvels:

    • Advanced sewer systems and water supplies exemplified in the Cloaca Maxima.

  • Urban Components:

    • Fortifications: Protective walls around cities.

    • Street Systems: Various paths accommodating different transport modes (e.g., itinera for pedestrians, viae for wheeled carts).

    • Housing Types:

      • Domus: Single-family residences for the wealthy.

      • Insulae: Multi-family housing units for commoners.

  • Market Centers:

    • Major ports (Ostia, Portus) connected Rome to trade routes along the Tiber.