Lessons From the Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire (Part 6)

 

"When cities were built, the maximum population and size were determined before construction began. The planners then allotted adequate space for houses, shops, squares and temples. They decided how much water would be needed and the number and size of streets, sidewalks and sewers.

The planners agreed that when a city reached its maximum size, a new city would be built elsewhere. They recognized the danger of overpopulation. A city forced to grow beyond its walls not only burdened the existing water, sewage and traffic systems but eventually destroyed the farmland on whose crops people depended."

Let's explore some specific things that the Romans did when planning a city, according to Macaulay's book:

• They selected a flat, sloping site (to insure good drainage) that was high enough to avoid future floods
• Animal livers were examined to ensure that the environment was healthy, and the land was checked for stagnant pools.
• They measured, designed and drew up a master plan to allow for the agreed-upon maximum population. A copy of the plan was carved on marble and placed in…

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