Charter Cities Atlas

Canton or Guangzhou, which one is correct?

Both are correct! It is just a matter of from which part of the world you are.

"Canton" is a Portuguese or French romanization of the word "Guangdong", the province where the city is located.
As they were the first Europeans to arrive in the region, this is how the city came to be known in most European countries.

"Guangzhou" is the Cantonese and official name of the city in China.

Are you interested in learning more about Canton?
Visit our Atlas dedicated to the self-governing cities that shaped our history:
https://www.chartercitiesatlas.com/canton

The Ayutthayan kingdom lasted more than 400 years. It was founded by U Thong in 1350, and prevailed until 1767.

Ayutthaya is the successor of the second of four Thai kingdoms, which reigned from 1350–1767. The region prospered with the rise of the city of Ayutthaya, which began as a city-state—growing until it became a proud kingdom in its own right, learning many lessons in governance, resistance, and trade as it grew.

At first, the small city-kingdom of Ayutthaya was under the rule of the powerful Khmer empire. However, within less than a century, Thai king succeeded in pushing them back, and in 1431 they conquered their great capital of Angkor, gaining independence over the Khmer empire, which is nowadays Cambodia.

Wars against neighboring powers continued throughout the Ayutthayan period. In 1438, the Sukhothai empire was made a province of Ayutthaya, under the mandala political system.

During the Ayutthayan period, the Thai people gained the position as the leading power in what is now central and north-central Thailand, as well as throughout much of its southern peninsular region.

Ayutthaya was called by its neighbors as “Siam”, and the people of Ayutthaya came to be known as the Siamese.

Learn more about Ayutthaya’s culture, history, and governance in our Atlas:
https://www.chartercitiesatlas.com/ayutthaya

Shah Abbas I was responsible for increasing commerce between Persia and Europe, selling mainly fine Persian rugs, silk, and textiles such as brocades and damasks of unparalleled richness.

Persian art and architecture flourished during his dynasty. As one of the most significant dynasties of Iran, his rule marks a peak of Persian artistic achievement.

He was responsible for the construction of the stunning Shah Mosque and the Ali Qapur, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and regarded as masterpieces of Persian architecture in the Islamic era.

Bandar Abbas, as one of the busiest ports in the region, followed suit under Abbas’ rule, having great architectural and artistic development. The city was known for its handicrafts, local art, and the textile industry. The city was vital for exporting Persian art to Europe and other regions.

Learn more about the city of Bandar Abbas in our Atlas:
https://www.chartercitiesatlas.com

Art history enthusiasts, you’re going to want to stop scrolling.

This is reportedly the oldest known city view of Venice, dating back to the 14th century. In 2019, the drawing was discovered by Dr. Sandra Toffolo, a University of St. Andrews researcher, who realized that it predates all previously known views of the city besides maps and portolan charts.

The image is part of a manuscript containing the travel account of Niccolò da Poggibonsi, an Italian pilgrim who travelled to Jerusalem in 1346-1350. During his pilgrimage, Niccolò passed through Venice and his description of the city is accompanied by this pen drawing of Venice.

Learn more about the history of Venice in our Atlas:
https://www.chartercitiesatlas.com