Low-Density, Dispersed Urbanism in the Tropical World: Some Global Implications

Summary

Though low-density, dispersed urbanism is conventionally understood as a feature only of modern industrial societies there was actually substantial low-density, dispersed urbanism in the agrarian world of Central America, Sri Lanka and SE Asia during the 1st and early 2nd millennia CE. These cities, such as Tikal, Anuradhapura and Angkor with areas between 200 and a 1000 sq km, substantially altered their natural environment and were dependent on massive infrastructure. They were then impacted by severe climate change which picked out their basic operational vulnerabilities. The trajectories of agrarian-based large, low-density cities tell a disturbing story. Despite their diverse histories and economies the demise of the great cities led to a similar outcome. Their entire urban heartland regions, covering thousands of square kilometres, reverted to village-scale life. Low-density urbanism never recovered. The long-term story of large, low- density settlements is not an encouraging indicator of the long- term viability of the giant, low-density, industrial-based urban agglomerates of the 21st century. Our present-day circumstances are disturbingly similar. We should beware if the same outcome were to happen to our present-day, giant low-density cities.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

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Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 20151