The city of Rome is paradoxical. Long known as the Eternal City, it conveys the image of permanency in a world of change. Yet, unlike so many other ancient cities, it has at the same time maintained its heritage, while adapting to change. Since becoming the capital city of Italy in 1870, Rome has been caught between the new demands placed upon it and the layout inherited from the past. This book surveys the tension between past and present that has pervaded the growth of the city. The purpose is to give the reader an account of the city's modern development that also confronts critically many of the conventional ideas that have been used to 'make sense' of it. For urban historians, geographers, planners and Italian studies specialists, this book is essential reading.