First Cities explores the dawn of urban life, examining how humans transitioned from nomadic existence to settled urbanism in regions like Mesopotamia and the Yellow River Valley. The book investigates the environmental and socio-political factors that shaped these early cities, highlighting innovations in urban planning and social organization. Intriguingly, the shift to urban living wasn't just about settlement; it fundamentally restructured human society, impacting social hierarchies and resource allocation.
The book progresses systematically, first analyzing the environmental conditions that enabled the rise of cities, such as fertile river valleys. It then presents detailed case studies of early urban centers like Uruk and Erlitou, exploring their layouts, architecture, and governance. By combining archaeological evidence, textual sources, and comparative studies, First Cities offers a comprehensive look at the challenges and legacies of these nascent metropolises.
