Multi-Layered Cities In The Modern Era Cities are the accumulation of historical layers formed through a complex, chaotic, and divergent process as a phenomenon. These layers carry to the present day the traces of past civilizations’ spatial layouts and ways of life. A multi-layered historical city has continuous or successive layers of development, occupation, and cultural influence throughout history. These layers might appear in various forms, such as urban physical patterns, architectural designs, building types, cultural customs, and historical events.