ABSTRACT
Literary evidence suggests that the ancient landscape was studded with marshes and swamps. As a result, there was a close connection and a constant confrontation between the cultural reality of the city and the natural reality of the marsh. On the one hand marshes were unhealthy places, a source of disease and ailments and unsuitable locations for settlements; but on the other hand many towns were found in-or close to-marshy areas. Such proximity could convey disadvantages and detriments, but sometimes also advantages and benefits. The aim of this chapter is to make a limited contribution towards the study of this connection and confrontation between town and marsh. Many cities developed in marshlands and some of the most significant examples are explored here. The intention is to approach and compare the theoretical criteria believed ideal when founding a town with the historical reality and practice. In what ways was the marsh, a place that symbolised disease, death, and decay, associated with settlement and civilisation?
