Throughout the long history of urbanity, cities have been far more than densely populated areas. They have been social, political, religious, and economic centres since they first emerged thousands of years ago.

Theme: Ancient city living

• Shana Zaia, 'Divine neighbours - City religion in Mesopotamia'.
• Philip Matyszak, 'The subara - Rome's Cinderella suburb'.
• Marco Daniele, 'The poleis in Mesoamerica - Migration, identity, and power'.
• Simone Petacchi, 'Lahun - The pharaohs' planned city'.
• Julie Bernini, 'A mark of civic identity - Gymnasia and the Greek cities'.

Features:

• Jessica Clarke, 'Italic entertainment - Was Roman theatre Roman?'
• Adrien Delahaye, The end of isolationism? - Spartan and Laconian exchanges'.
• Owain Williams, 'The great king's horses - Mesopotamia's equine exchange'.
• Tim Howe, 'Apollo's sacred land - How Delphi hosted pilgrims'.
• Antonis Chaliakopoukos, 'Propert of the conquerors - Andrapodismos in ancient Greek warfare'.
• Rowdy Geirsson, 'In Rome's shadow - The Baltic Sea in late antiquity'.