Delve into the social and cultural history of 100 of the world's most important cities. From the first towns in Mesopotamia to today's global metropolises, cities have marked the progress of civilization. Written in the form of illustrated "biographies", Great Cities offers a rich historical overview of each featured city, brought to vivid life with paintings, photographs, timelines, maps, and artefacts. Stunning images of city life and key moments in history are complemented by close-ups of revealing details and feature panels that provide additional context. A book not just about history but also about art, architecture, commerce, and politics, Great Cities provides a fascinating insight into what has shaped the places where we live.