In year 1000 B.C. Alexandria arguably was the center of the "civilized world".

Of course the definition of what is the center of civilized world is open to interpretation, but for the sake of discussion let’s define it as the economic, educational, technological, cultural and political center of the world. In light of that definition it is safe to say that Alexandria was certainly quite possibly the center of the civilized world in year 0.

And, in year of Birth of Christ 0 A.D. it was arguably Rome.

In 1000 A.D. it would be London, era of the British Empire.

In year 2000 would there be much argument that New York held that distinction?

Now the fun part. What will it be in year 3000? Is it very likely that the same city will hold the same position two times in a row? Based on the past, that doesn’t appear very likely. And, if it won’t be New York in 3000 you have to wonder at what point in time does New York begin its descent into being “just another city”? Has it already started to occur? A visitor to present day Alexandria and Rome certainly will be able to take in many architectural, cultural and historical sites, but certainly won’t feel that they are in the presence of the epicenter of the civilized world. How will a visitor to New York feel in year 3000?

So, if not NY, where will it be? Is it possible it could be a United States city? Los Angeles? San Francisco certainly was certainly heading that direction before the burst of the infamous bubble. Will it regain that status with some form of a new technology we aren’t aware of yet? Or perhaps it will be in another country. Could it be Shanghai? Dubai? Seoul? Bangalore?

What do you think?