Africa and the Middle East not only dominate newspaper headlines today, but appear in countless history textbooks as the birthplaces of humanity and civilization. Join us this summer as we explore the ancient city in various African and Middle Eastern contexts as it was historically conceived, built, and lived in over time and geopolitical space. With leading experts drawn from across the United States, we will discuss how the decision to live in cities continues to inform the present through the legacies of urbanization. Invited speakers will discuss the current state of the field and introduce debates about the contested place that ancient cities hold in contemporary narratives and scholarship about African and Middle Eastern peoples. The institute will also offer a range of resources for teachers interested in integrating these topics into their classroom curriculum. An optional field trip to Ethiopia (July 9-21) is being offered. Participants will be accompanied by a Yale regional expert to further their understanding of the country’s rich history and culture. Participation in this field trip is not a requirement of the institute.