100 Great Ancient Cities

Ur, Ilium, Thebes, Memphis, Knossos, Jerusalem, Athens, Sparta, Rome... Cities of antiquity. Some of them rose at the crossroads of trade routes, others emerged in desolate deserts. There were fortress cities, cities that were scientific centers, barrack cities, cities that grew around river docks or sea ports. Many arose at the whim of proud rulers and conquerors. Often their fate was sad: a swift flourishing, followed by a tragic demise.