Regularity and order in the colonial cities of Minas Gerais in the eighteenth century

Abstract

This paper explains the colonial settlements of Minas Gerais, in the 18th century, the crucial period of their development, by using the notions of "Regularity" and "Order". These notions, as opposed to the majority of the concepts found on studies about Portuguese-American colonial cities, allow us to criticize some old historiographical myths, such as the spontaneity, irregularity and disorder of these settlements.