Preindustrial cities staged public life in streets and plazas rather than dedicated venues

Evidence

1940:47). Ancient Rome, of course, had its Coliseum, its Circus Maximus, and its theaters, but in most preindustrial cities, no such specialized locations were provided for entertainment and public pageantry and ceremonials. Instead, these activities took place in the squares and plazas and streets. — Lyn H. Lofland, World of Strangers_ Order and Action in…, 202