Final answer:
In the 13th century, city air in England was likely dominated by the smell of coal smoke from home heating and industrial activities, combined with the stench of open sewers and waste that characterized poor urban sanitation practices at the time.
Step-by-step explanation:
The air in cities in 13th century England likely smelled primarily of smoke from coal burning, as coal was the primary source of heating and industrial power at the time. With the industrial development, cities experienced significant air pollution, particularly from the coal burned in homes, factories, and foundries. Furthermore, descriptions from later periods, such as the 19th century, include notable issues with soot and foul air, suggesting the ongoing presence of smoke and pollutants. The lack of sanitation also contributed to the air being filled with the odors of open sewers and waste, leading to outbreaks of diseases such as cholera and typhus. This continued until late into the 19th century, reflected in events like The Great Stink of 1858, where the stench from the River Thames was so overpowering that it disrupted the government, forcing them to take action on the issue of waste disposal.