Blog about Henry

 Post 5: Roman origins of European cities Have you ever walked in an old city and thought why is it laid out as it is? Often towns are planned as topography gives in. On the other hand cities might be planned according some ideal city layout at specific time. For example, in Finland Hamina has clear reference to symmetrical round cities of the renaissance. Many major cities in Europe can trace their roots to the times of antiquity. At that time Romans expanded their empire and established new outposts all over Europe and the Mediterranean. Looking at many cities from this area we can still see their former city layout affecting their appearance today. Knowing what was going on in antiquity and how they were planned helps us to understand their development over history and appreciate what remains of original roman city. It also helps us to understand why they look like they do today. The remains of the original town can be still today for example in Paris. The Roman town of Luteti...

Roman Town as foundations for European cities   Many major cities in Europe can trace their roots to the times of antiquity. At that time Romans expanded their empire and established new outposts all over Europe and the Mediterranean. Looking at many cities from this area we can still see their history affecting their appearance today. Knowing what was going on in antiquity and how they were founded helps us to understand their development over history and appreciate what still remains of their history. It also helps us to understand why do they look like they do today.           Wen a Roman town was measured a surveyer called mensor or agrimensor used a staff called groma to sight the main axis. The main roads were planned along them. The main north-south street was called cardus maximus and the west-east street was called decumanus maximus. They usually intersected in the middle. From these main streets lesser streets ...