Da cidade de Deus à cidade dos homens

This research project aims at examining the relationship between the secularisation process and the evolution of some of the oldest cities in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. 12 cities were selected according to predefined criteria. They make up two groups as regards their origin (from missionary and from non missionary-based activity). The study considers the period ranging from 1700 to 1964, divided into four distinct historical periods. Our objective is to demonstrate that the cities of our sample, born as cities of God, become the city of Men at the end of these evolutionary phases. In order to do that, we analyse the cities based on three key elements, which are the use, the form and the function of these urban centres. These aspects, resulting from the specificities which are particular to the State of Rio Grande do Norte, are revealed in terms of the periods mentioned, the three key elements selected, and the two groups of cities were established.