18 - The distribution of power: hierarchy and its discontents

Summary

This chapter address early urban formations that for various reasons have been viewed as lying outside of the normative structures of typical ancient cities. It focuses on case studies and other recent research to consider alternate ways of being urban and to advocate for models of urbanism that recognize the existence of a broad range of organizational structures and institutions through which power could be distributed in early cities. The chapter explores the urban features of many ancient cities, with the larger goal of understanding why and how different urban forms developed and were sustained. Even in the most hierarchical and dictatorial of political systems, rulers cannot control all aspects of life, ceding some degree of autonomy to various corporate groups and institutions. Urban life can offer many opportunities to city residents, and ancient cities were often magnets that drew dispersed rural populations and families and individuals to them in search of a better life.