Re: Most peaceful European city?


Wylie wrote:

I'll stay with Stockholm, or maybe even Reykjavik, if you
consider Iceland a European country.

On third thought, I'll go with Reykjavik.


In a very odd coincidence this question popped into my head while
reading about Icelandic History today (specifically about the intact
medical records stretching back 800 years). My only concern is wether
it could be considered a "city" for all that time.

Good question, but then maybe that could be asked of other cities.
Certainly the only place that could be considered a city in
Iceland. Was it the seat of the parliament (the Althing) for
all that time? If so, then I'd say it was a city.

The seat has been there the entire time, same building even. Claims to
be the oldest (documented) parliment building. But I doubt it was
comparable in size to even a regional center in Europe, but I may be
wrong. Iceland's population held stable around 300,000 from
1100-1800(?).

The population of Iceland was around 70 000 in ca 1100 and was around
40 000 in 1800.
It reached 300 000 for the first time at the start of 2006.

In a way it's unchallenging to say Reykjavik because even if someone
wanted to loot it, getting there and back is a bitch.

As far as Eurpoean/Mediteraen cities, I think Rome might be an option.
The Pax Romana gave it several hundred years, and after the dark ages I
think it was usually an "open" city when an aggreessive power got too
close. Containing Vatican City probably helped. Of course I may be
wrong, but as a wild guess I assume that's why so many Roman Empire
buildings are left standing.

.

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