In the case of ancient towns, the obvious point of reference for an appropriate programme of urban research aimed at ascertaining changes in, or the survival of, monuments and functions in the various stages of development is such towns' beginnings.
Reste au fond non résolue, parce que souvent non posée, la question de la connaissance ponctuelle des aspects formels et substantiels d'un site antique auquel se superposent des pages entières de vie urbaine presque toujours continue.