Which civilization showed little evidence of controlled urban planning and zoning?

Ancient Egypt is known for its grand architectural wonders and monumental structures like the pyramids, but it did not exhibit the same level of controlled urban planning and zoning seen in other ancient civilizations. The layout of Egyptian cities often evolved organically rather than through a systematic approach, leading to a less structured urban environment. Although there were some planned elements in the location of significant buildings, such as temples and tombs, the overall settlement patterns were not regulated to the same extent as in civilizations like the Romans or those in the Indus Valley.

In contrast, the Roman civilization is celebrated for its advanced urban planning techniques, including the grid system and zoning regulations that facilitated efficient city layouts. Similarly, the Indus Valley civilization is known for its well-planned cities with a grid pattern and sophisticated drainage systems, suggesting a high degree of urban control. China during the Zhou dynasty also demonstrated features of urban planning and organization, especially in the layout of royal cities.

Thus, Ancient Egypt stands out as the civilization with little evidence of controlled urban planning and zoning, as its urban development was more of a spontaneous nature rather than dictated by a centralized design philosophy.