Origins of Cities.

Presentation on theme: "Origins of Cities."— Presentation transcript:

1 Origins of Cities

2 Cities and Urban Geography
In /3 of the world lived in a city. Today 1/2 of us live in cities and the number is increasing.

3 City Functions Commercial Centers Industrial Cities Primary Resources
Resort Cities Government / Religious Centers Education Centers

4 Site and situation of a city

5 Ancient World Cities Ancient Ur in Iraq Oldest cities are found in Mesopotamia, Egypt, China, Indus Valley, Mesoamerica, Peru Walled cities based on agricultural trade Social stratification 10-15,000 people

6 CLASSICAL World Cities
Mediterranean City-States Hearth of extensive trade routes Over 250,000 people

7 Medieval World Cities European Feudal Cities Begin in 11th Century
Independent cities formed in exchange for military service to feudal lord. Improved roads encouraged trade Dense and compact within defensive walls EX: Paris Paris, France Cittadella, Italy

8 Industrial world cities
Centers of industry Close to natural resources and trade routes Rapid growth Deleterious Tenements and Slums Pollution Railroads Over 1 million people Ex: London, Paris, New York, Chicago

9 20th century world cities
North America and Western Europe Influx of migration Skyscrapers Top cities mostly in MDCs

10 Modern World Cities A high percentage of world’s business is transacted and political power is concentrated in these cities. Headquarters of large businesses Media control centers Access to political power Major World Cities: London, New York, Tokyo

11 Largest world cities Ten Most Populous in A.D. 1950
1. New York million 2. Tokyo million 3. London million 4. Osaka million 5. Paris million 6. Moscow million 7. Buenos Aires million 8. Chicago million 9. Kolkata million 10. Shanghai million

12 Largest World Cities Ten Most Populous in A.D. 1975
1. Tokyo million 2. New York million 3. Shanghai million 4. México million 5. São Paulo million 6. Osaka million 7. Buenos Aires million 8. Los Angeles million 9. Paris million 10. Beijing million Source: U.N., 2001 * Note that five of these cities are in the Core or more developed world.

13 Largest World Cities Ten Most Populous by A.D. 2015
1. Tokyo million 2. Bombay million 3. Lagos million 4. Shanghai million 5. Jakarta million 6. São Paulo million 7. Karachi million 8. Beijing million 9. Dhaka, Bangladesh million 10. México million Source: U.N., 2001 * Note that only one of these cities is in the Core of the more developed world!

14 Largest world cities

15 City videos Least Liveable Cities: Worst Pollution: Worst Traffic: Crazy intersection: Urbanization over history: