And whereas then monarchies, palaces and forts dominated every city skyline and looked permanent and confident, today it's the gleaming towers of the banks which dominate every big city.
尽管当时君主制，宫殿，堡垒战领了每一个城市的地平线， 而且看上去永久和自信， 但今天却是银行大楼的闪亮塔尖占领了每一个大城市。