Jones begins by describing the movement whereby Greek politcal institutions swept over the Near Eastern lands conquered by Alexander. He then goes on to trace the adaptation of the city to its new environment, the Hellenistic kingdom and the Roman empire. The city's internal political life, how it was transformed from an autonomous community to a seat of local government, and the manifold services it provided its citizens are also described. Finally, an attempt is made to assess the contribution of the city to the civilization of the regions where it prevailed.