Pope Sixtus V and Shah Abbas envisioned improvements for Rome and Isfahan as they used construction of new buildings, streets and monuments to encourage further development of their prized towns. Sixtus V chose to show new order to Rome as a result of the Counter-Reformation. Shah Abbas focused on displaying Isfahan's wealth and power. Exploring articles pertaining to buildings and monuments as well as analyzing topographical maps can give a great deal of insight to the purpose behind planned cities. Both Pope Sixtus V and Shah Abbas sought to develop their cherished capital cities of Rome and Isfahan; however, each one desired to portray completely different ideas and values.
Since the beginning of the Counter-Reformation in the early 1500's, many changes occurred throughout Italy, and especially emanating from Rome. …
