Abstract This paper discusses the Greek city-states that existed between the 8th and 5th centuries B.C.E. It describes the political activity and social interaction within them, and how men and women were either granted citizenship within the city-state or were excluded from it. The paper discusses how the concept of these city-states contributed to the current appreciation of democracy which is practiced in many nations today.
From the Paper "Another significant aspect pertaining to granting political rights to the poor came from the sole rulers or tyrants who seized power for a time in a number of city-states. These tyrants certainly granted citizenship to the working poor as a means of building popular support among the lower classes which lived in their regimes. However, it is also possible that the upper social levels of Greek society became less of a cohesive political group during the 6th and 5th centuries B.C.E. which weakened the opposition to the idea that it was a justified to exclude the working poor from participating in the political body."
Abstract This paper discusses the fall of the Roman Empire. In order to fully explore the decline and fall of the Roman Empire and how the city-states within the Empire contributed to its downfall, the paper examines the overall scenario of Rome as it related to its early, middle, and later years of existence. The paper contends that the corruption that took place in the city-states related to greed, avarice, and bureaucratic manipulation at the hands of the great landowners and rich merchants. The dissatisfaction and indifference of the citizens of Rome and the influx of Christianity into the Empire were the main catalysts the led to the fall of the great empire.
From the Paper "As one of the greatest and most influential civilizations of ancient times, the Roman Empire was essentially born in the Eastern Mediterranean and after almost a thousand years of complete power and prosperity, it was in the city of Constantinople, founded by Emperor Constantine, that Rome and its political, social and militaristic systems finally died. The process through which Rome eventually came to an end is quite complex, but its early development had much to do with the genius of the Roman citizen and the Roman senators who gave the empire the framework and structure for its various institutions. But the ideals on which it rested had originated in the Middle East where men learned to believe in and support a single universal society where the government provided the sole means for existence. Of course, the Roman Empire was also the result of the fusion of Roman political development and institutional structure with the Hellenistic system of ancient Greece which preceded it by many centuries."
Abstract This paper explains that, being hemmed in by a mountainous hinterland and not having many natural resources, Genoa chose to use sea trade as its vehicle to prosperity. The author points out that it cleverly used its participation in the First Crusade against the Saracens to win trade concessions from the Christian principalities and to dominate the major international trade routes between Europe and the East as a "middle man" in the Mediterranean and the Black Sea areas. The paper relates that its ultimate eclipse as an independent trading nation was due to internal feuding and its prolonged conflict with the other Italian maritime city-states of Venice and Pisa.
Table of Contents
Significance of Genoa's Geography
Relations with Foreign Powers
Early Trading
Genoa's Role in the First Crusade
Trade Routes
Genoese Trade with the Ottomans
Conclusion
From the Paper "Genoa, therefore, became an important port city mainly as a result of its geography. But while looking to expand its possessions further the city-state faced several constraints. The Alps and Alpennines to the north meant that there was little scope of expansion inland. The area had little mineral resources and limited flat land for agriculture or pasture for animals. Fishing was not a lucrative option due to the sudden drop in the ocean beds from the coastline. Although it had access into Lombardy through a high road, beyond the valleys of Polcevera and Bisagno, lay the greater power of Milan precluding any ambitions of further advancement."
Abstract The paper looks at one of the most famous citystates of Ancient Greece, Sparta. The paper discusses how Athens and Sparta were two states that represent diametrically opposed concepts of the ancient Greek political state. The paper examines the Spartan lifestyle, its political orientation and why many looked upon this land with both respect and fear.
From the Paper "The two most famous city states of Ancient Greece are Sparta and Athens. History has not been kind to Sparta; the majority of historical narratives and textbooks refer to this war-state as "brutal", "an armed camp", "culturally stagnant", and other such niceties. The reality of the situation is that Sparta was a complex government system and political entity that used its military strength as the foundation of its power. The reason for the negativity associated with such a powerful city-state is that most historical narratives come from the "knowledge center of Athens", the bitter enemy of Sparta."
A history and examination of how Ancient Athens, out of necessity of protecting its allies and lands, grew from a powerful city-state to an Aegean Empire.
Abstract This paper gives a history of how Athens, originally looking for a united front against the invading Persian armies during the Persian Wars in antiquity, grew from an influential city-state to one of the world's first empires, stretching its power base across the entire Aegean sea. The paper begins by discussing how the Delian League, the pretext to what would become the Athenian Empire, came into being as a direct way to combat the invading Persians. The alliance was created out of necessity, as a united Greek front would be the only way to repel the massive Persian army under King Xerxes. A brief history of the Persian Wars is given, with Persia's invasion of Northern Greece and the burning of the Acropolis in Athens, but eventually their defeat at the hands of the Athenian general Cimon at the mouth of the Eurymedon River. After Persia was defeated and their troops driven back to Asia, Athens was firmly set as the predominant military and economic leader of all of Greece. The Delian League that was organized to fight against the Persians soon evolved into an Athenian Empire, with Athens collecting tribute and taxes from other city-states in exchange for protection and economic stability. Athens used their power to create a more safe and secure Greece, but was eventually corrupted by greedy politicians who abused other Greek city-states to the point of war. The second half of the paper goes into detail over how Athens was justified to create an empire, as it brought about prosperity for all involved. This includes the destruction of piracy and the opening up with trade routes to eastern Turkey. Ancient sources are heavily quoted to reinforce the argument that having a single dominant polis inevitably stabilized the once troubled area of Ancient Greece. This section also deals with Athens feeling morally obligated to spread their particular form of democracy to all of the other city-states, and their desire to see Sparta have their power limited. This ancient Cold War would eventually boil over into the Peloponnesian War, and the result ended in a weakened Greece that would not rise to prosperity again until Alexander The Great unified Greece.
From the Paper "During the expansion of Athenian power, an economic concept developed that allowed a particular polis to form an economic alliance with a fellow Delian League member. This agreement would allow the two states to work together in transporting particular goods through their territories to a marketplace where the goods would be sold, and the profit generated from the selling of the goods would be evenly distributed between the two Greek states. Such an example of this economic unity can be seen in agreement between Athens and the polis of Phaselis, which held joint control over certain economic endeavors and even adopted the same coinage for a short span of history. Athens also made it clear that if the city-states were to live under the protection of Athens, then the economic system should be standardized."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of justice in Plato's "The Republic," noting that Socrates investigates the nature of the city-state and what the ideal city-state should be and that he discusses a variety of views on justice and types of justice. The paper describes how Socrates begins with justice as tradition and continues through other concepts to show how the argument develops.
From the Paper "In Plato's Republic, Socrates investigates the nature of the city-state and what the ideal city-state should be. The primary subject of The Republic is justice, examined in broad terms and with specific reference to different theories of justice. Socrates discusses a variety of views on justice and types of justice. The first conception of justice offered in The Republic is justice that underlies traditional morality, and it is Cephalus who suggests this definition. He looks back over his life and states that justice is found in speaking the truth and paying your debts."
Abstract This paper discusses the basis for a technologically innovative and creative city. It discusses the importance of new technologies as a top-level priority in America, who remains a world leader in new sciences, which can creatively used to help advance humankind. The paper describes how this new city would help to lure foreign investment and researchers into a city that is ecologically safe and efficient.
From the Paper "Geography: The New Technological City I. Introduction: This city planning study will seek create a city that relies heavily on the new technology sector innovation, which has been part of the burgeoning economy in America. The American dream is about invention, and technology is the new way that Americans need to express their freedoms, as well as their ability to create modern advancements. By creating a city that is 'artist friendly' not only will people flock to help build this project; they will help to manufacture the tools and ecological means to make it sustainable. In this manner, the infrastructure of this new city will be the result of forging innovative creativity in the technology sector, which will be self-sustaining due to the availability of land, resources, and money management."
This paper examines why Italian cities in medieval times developed at a faster rate than other European cities, becoming the richest in medieval Europe, possibly the world.
Abstract This paper looks at the reasons behind the huge development of medieval Italian cities in relation to the rest of Europe. These factors include: Their superior organization, military history, geographical advantages in terms of trade and commerce and the unique form of government dividing the country into citystates.
From the Paper "Medieval times saw an expansion in city life all across Europe, but nowhere more so than in Italy. As early as the tenth century, Italian towns, though still inferior to those in the East, had become far larger than those in other Catholic European countries. From 1100-1250, the population of many Italian cities grew considerably, rising from around 5,000-6,000 people to between 30,000-40,000. This was because of a number of factors, most notably the commercial revolution and explosion of trade, which Italy was in a unique position to exploit, due, among other things, to her history and geographical location."
Abstract The paper looks at how Lauro Martines provides insight into the life of Savonarola, a zealous religious reformer of the Renaissance, in the book "Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence". The paper shows how this work is not only a biography of the friar but is also a biography of the city of Florence and the conflicts between the Italian city-states, the European powers and the powerful political families, and factions within the Roman Catholic Church.
From the Paper "Understanding the religious fervor of a bygone era can be difficult. However, in the book Fire in the City: Savonarola and the Struggle for the Soul of Renaissance Florence Lauro Martines attempts to provide insight into the life of a zealous religious reformer of the Renaissance. Because of the images we possess of the Renaissance, such as the paintings of God on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel and Michelangelo's statue of "David," it is tempting to think of this era as more religious than our own. However, the Renaissance was marked, despite such iconography, by increasing secularization and focus on the glorification of humanity and the arts, rather than God. Politics as much as piety marked the machinations of the papacy, and in Florence, the infamously wealthy (and corrupt) Medici family controlled political power and stifled republican dissent."
Abstract This paper discusses the impact that escalating real estate prices in New York City has on the lower and middle classes. More specifically, the paper focuses on how such prices are eroding the availability of affordable housing for the city's middle and lower class residents.
From the Paper "The following report represents a comprehensive survey of literature pertaining to escalating real estate prices in New York City The focus of the report is how increasingly expensive real estate prices for both sale sand rentals are impacting the middle and lower-classes residing in the five-boroughs of New York City. The report includes an introduction that discusses the current affordable housing crisis in New York City including factors responsible for it..."
Tags: median income, median rent, Mayor Bloomberg, Bronx, Brooklyn, Harlem, Manhattan, Mitchell-Lama, Limited Development, property taxes, labor, business, renovation, construction costs, nonprofit organizations, HUD, federal and state subsidies, CDBG, HOME, ES
Abstract This paper compares and contrasts the city planning approaches in Amsterdam and the United States.
From the Paper "In this paper I will discuss city planning in Amsterdam, The Netherlands in an historical and cross-cultural context. For those of us who have certain unconscious assumptions about what cities are and can be biased on our acquaintance with our own urban areas, studying urban planning trends in Europe and elsewhere can be a revelation. In a nutshell, the dominant influence on American city planning (or lack thereof) has been the automobile. It matters that our cities are primarily auto storage depots, observes James Howard..."
Abstract This paper explains that contemporaries Machiavelli and Castiglione, who wrote about the Italian courts in the late fifteenth and early sixteenth centuries, still influence today's politics and society. The author points out that Machiavelli's "The Prince" examined the exigencies of politics and political maneuvering as they applied to the rulers of Italy's endlessly warring city-states; whereas, Castiglione, in "The Courtier" investigated the talents required of individuals, who served under the ruling princes and comprised the courts of these small states. The paper relates that Machiavelli's "The Prince" became a byword for intrigue and for "the ends justifying the means" as a cynical version of politics and political control; however, Castiglione emphasized the intellectual and social accomplishments of an individual, which were required to become a successful and productive member of the ruling class.
From the Paper "In the eyes of Castiglione, the courtier's personal qualities must necessarily fit within the larger picture of the court performance. Courtiers are nearly always participating in some larger events, some function that demands the presence of many individuals around the ruler or rulers. Court ceremonial and pageantry was especially important to the author of "The Book of the Courtier". A significant aspect of court pageantry of the time was the performance known as masking, in which the courtiers themselves assumes other roles while wearing masks."
Abstract The paper discusses the distinct cultural makeup of Athens and Sparta, introducing both cities as military and political rivals. It examines Sparta's ideological and social emphasis on militarism and Athens's focus on a sophisticated, democratic system of governance and trade.
From the Paper "Greek City-States
Athens & Sparta
Greek city-states were loosely aligned but fairly distinct in terms of cultural makeup. This was true in terms of military, political, economic and social structures. In ancient civilization, "Athens...was the most .."
Abstract This paper discusses the ignorance people have had with regards to remembering the Peloponnesian Wars as a major historical event which took place between 431 and 404 b.c. and was fought between the two leading city-states in ancient Greece, Athens and Sparta. This paper retells the story and accounts of the war.
From the Paper "In order to understand the outcome of the war it is important to understand the nature of the alliances headed by these two city-states. The Athenian alliance might be better described as an empire, for it included most of the island along with the coastal states around the northern and eastern shores of the Aegean Sea. Sparta was no weak opponent, however, for it was the leader of an alliance of independent states that included most of the major land powers Central Greece along with the Peloponnese, joined with the might of the great sea power Corinth."
Abstract A study of Greece including regional geography, religion, history, its islands and more. Also included is an examination of Greece's mountainous regions and their advantages to agriculture. Also, a bit of history of Greek Mythology and the religions in Greece. It also includes a summary of the ancient war between the two city-states: Athens and Sparta.
From the Paper "Greece is divided into three main regions: the Peloponnese peninsula, Attica, and Macedonia. The Peloponnese is the southern portion of Greece and the home of Sparta, one of ancient Greece's most powerful city-states. It consists of a narrow land bridge connecting the Peloponnesus to the mainland. Attica, the middle plains and partly rugged area, contains three large plains where wheat is grown and stock pastured. Athens, another important city-state in Greece, lies at the tip. The last main region of Greece is Macedonia in the north. This section is a rough and rugged area, although it is gifted with broad flat plains where the majority of Greece's very little farmland lies. These regions divide the country into valleys and plains. Mountains, which make up most of Greece's geography, are the generators of the rough and rugged areas of the regions. They also played an important role in the lives of ancient Greeks. (Stein 11-12)"
