Ten Cities that Led the World

From Ancient Foundations to Modern Powerhouses – a remarkable history
From the founding of ancient capitals to buzzing modern megacities, this history of ten cities explores how urban centres have led civilisation forward.

'A book of ideas [.] Strathern ably guides us through these moments of glory.' -- The Times

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What makes a city great? How does one urban centre inspire the world while another fades into history? In Ten Cities That Led the World, Paul Strathern takes you on a thrilling journey through ten of the most influential cities in history, from ancient capitals to modern megacities.


Walk the streets of Babylon, Athens and Rome and marvel at mathematics, theatre and engineering that still shape our world. Witness Constantinople transform into Istanbul, feel the revolutionary energy of Paris, and watch London rise with railways, canals and industry. Explore Moscow, New York, Mumbai and Beijing, where innovation, ambition and resilience clash with hardship and inequality.


Each city has its own story, its own personality and its own mark on civilisation. Through vivid storytelling, Strathern brings history to life, showing how these urban powerhouses built the foundations of culture, science and commerce we rely on today.


Perfect for history lovers, travel enthusiasts and curious minds, this book reveals how cities shape our past, present and future. Discover the triumphs, challenges and ideas that continue to influence the modern world.

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