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

The ancient Egyptians exhibited a society where urban planning as we understand it today was not prominently utilized. While certain aspects, such as the organization of monumental structures like temples and pyramids, exhibit some level of planning, there was little evidence of systematic zoning or comprehensive urban planning. Cities often sprung up in relation to the Nile River, driven by agricultural needs and religious practices, rather than through deliberate urban design principles. Over time, settlements developed organically without strict adherence to zoning laws or urban layouts typical of more centrally controlled civilizations, like the Romans or the Indus Valley.

In contrast, the Roman civilization was known for its meticulous city planning, including the use of grid patterns, public forums, and zoning of different areas for residential, commercial, and governmental purposes. The Indus Valley civilization demonstrated advanced urban planning through well-planned cities with uniform grid layouts and sophisticated drainage systems. Similarly, during the Zhou dynasty, the Chinese practiced urban planning with defined city layouts and governance structures, although it was less formalized than in later dynasties. Thus, while each of the other civilizations showed evidence of some form of controlled urban design, ancient Egypt stands out as having less systematic urban planning and zoning.