The origins and development of the city in ancient Italy are subjects of immense importance, but ones that are poorly represented among English-language publications. Fresh archaeological evidence is transforming our understanding of urban development, and the recent debates concerning theoretical approaches to the ancient city have raised many new issues.

This collection of essays from international scholars conducting original research in the field of ancient urbanism builds on the latest subject developments and marks a challenging and important contribution to our understanding of urban culture and society in ancient Italy.

Informed by an awareness of social and anthropological issues, the essays explore the use of urban space; the mechanics of urban development; the social, economic and cultural behaviour of the urban elite; the interaction between city and countryside; and the influence of the Roman city on later European culture. Not only are specific questions of urban origins addressed, but theories of the ancient city in general are discussed, in particular the work of Max Weber.

This cohesive and stimulating collection will be widely welcomed not only by ancient historians and classical archaeologists but also by scholars working in the broader fields of urban studies and the general theory of towns and complex societies.