The Upper City grew up as a river port and a transfer point for cargo that had to be carried overland around the rapids for ocean shipment. The city also serves as a collection point for crops grown for export by the highland farmers on that area of the Plateau.
As the export trade in metals and ores from upriver mines grew, refiners and manufacturers found it profitable to locate in the Upper City. The Upper City is now a major manufacturing and financial center. Technology-related manufacturers tend to favor the Upper City over the Lower City because of its proximity to the Scientists' Quarter.
The original steep and perilous foot and mule trails down the cliff have given way to a variety of modern gently sloping tunnels, roads, and passenger and cargo elevators. Magic carpet service is also available to all areas except the Scientists' Quarter.
Back to the Ancient City.
(40k GIF) This page was created by Tom Digby and is copyrighted with a fairly liberal "fair use" policy.
Email = bubbles@well.sf.ca.us
Home Page = http://www.well.com/user/bubbles/