The Rise and Fall of Cities: Exploring Urban Life from Ancient Times to Modern Metropolises
Discover what drives the growth and decline of cities, from ancient civilizations to today's urban giants, and learn how transportation, industry, and culture shape their destinies.
In the fifth episode of the podcast "Living in the Metropolis," we delve into the dynamics of large cities, examining the crucial roles transportation and industry play in their development, and uncovering the factors that lead to urban decline.
"Living in the Metropolis" is a collaborative project by Lifehacker and the PIK Group, dedicated to exploring how modern cities evolve and how people live, work, relax, and raise families within them.
Host Irina Rogava reunites with Anton Polsky, an urban studies and street art professor at RSUH, to discuss the life cycles of cities — how they thrive and eventually fade.
- 0:43 — Cities have existed since ancient times, but serious study began only in the 20th century. Anton explains the concept of a "metropolis" and highlights the importance of rivers and railways in shaping major urban centers.
- 7:12 — How did cities originate? Naturally, they emerged where large numbers of people gathered — in centers of power, trade, and culture. Anton provides a brief overview of ancient cities, from Mesopotamian settlements to Greek city-states and Rome.
- 14:30 — Understanding how cities grow and eventually decline. Transportation challenges and industrial downturns often trigger urban decay, especially in single-industry towns originally built around manufacturing. Anton contrasts Saint Petersburg’s unique development with Moscow’s and discusses the impact of the FIFA World Cup on Russian urban areas.
- 23:13 — Pros and cons of metropolitan living. Big cities offer vast opportunities, but even the ancient Greeks believed that democracy struggles in densely populated environments. Today, the main drawback is the disconnection from nature; however, Anton notes that the rising trend of ecological awareness is addressing this issue.
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