ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

15 cities that once dominated the world

other · 2026-05-21

A Quartz article examines 15 cities that were once global centers of power, trade, and knowledge, from Baghdad to Tenochtitlan. Their historical rises and falls continue to influence the modern world. The piece explores how these urban hubs shaped civilization and why their legacies endure.

Key facts

  • 15 cities are examined
  • Cities include Baghdad and Tenochtitlan
  • They were centers of global power, trade, and knowledge
  • Their rises and falls still shape the world today

Entities

Institutions

  • Quartz

Locations

  • Baghdad
  • Tenochtitlan

Sources