There are many old and ancient cities around the world and choosing any one as the oldest city is quite tough because all these have very ancient history and their tales. These old cities have millions of stories attached to them telling legends and history of different times of the history. These ancient cities stood tall and faced many challenges from invasions of different rulers who intend to destroy them to natural calamities they are still standing telling its stories of generations. Let’s see these oldest cities of the world.
1. Damascus, Syria
Established around 11,000 years ago, it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Throughout its rich history, Damascus has been a nexus of trade, culture, and civilization. It flourished under various empires, including the Arameans, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Muslims. The city thrived as a centre of commerce along the Silk Road, known for its exquisite textiles and craftsmanship. Damascus played a pivotal role in the spread of Christianity and Islam, hosting significant events and historical figures. Today, it blends ancient heritage with modernity, symbolizing resilience and cultural diversity.
2. Jericho, West Bank
Jericho, located in the West Bank, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, with evidence of settlement dating back to 9000 BCE. Known as the “City of Palms,” it has a rich history marked by ancient fortifications, the biblical conquest by Joshua, and various periods of prosperity under different rulers, including the Canaanites, Israelites, and Romans. Jericho’s archaeological sites, such as the ancient walls, reveal its long and varied past.
3. Byblos, Lebanon
With roots tracing back to around 7000 BCE, an ancient Phoenician city, Byblos was a crucial maritime and trade hub, famed for its cedar wood and the export of papyrus, from which the word “Bible” is derived. It was a center for the spread of the Phoenician alphabet and experienced prosperity under Egyptian, Greek, and Roman rule.
4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dates back to around 6000 BCE. Situated on seven hills along the Maritsa River, it was originally a Thracian settlement before becoming a major Roman city known as Philippopolis. Plovdiv has seen a succession of cultures, including Byzantine, Ottoman, and Bulgarian. The city’s rich history is evident in its well-preserved Roman theater, ancient fortress walls, and vibrant old town, reflecting a blend of architectural styles and cultural influences.
5. Athens, Greece
Athens, Greece, has a history spanning over 3,000 years, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. Established around 3000 BCE, it became a powerful city-state in ancient Greece. Athens is celebrated as the cradle of Western civilization and democracy, home to philosophers like Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle. The city’s Golden Age saw the construction of iconic structures such as the Parthenon. Through Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman periods, Athens retained its cultural significance, evolving into Greece’s vibrant modern capital.
6. Faiyum, Egypt
Faiyum, Egypt, one of the world’s oldest cities, has origins dating back to around 4000 BCE. Located in a fertile region near the Nile River, it was initially an ancient settlement known as Shedet. Under the Middle Kingdom, it became a significant center called Crocodilopolis, worshipping the crocodile god Sobek. The city flourished under Greek and Roman rule, known as Arsinoe. Faiyum’s rich history is marked by archaeological sites, including pyramids, temples, and ancient irrigation systems, reflecting its long-standing agricultural and cultural importance.
7. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem, one of the oldest cities in the world, has a history dating back to around 3000 BCE. It is a sacred city for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The city was established by the Canaanites and later became the political and spiritual center for the Jewish people under King David. Jerusalem witnessed numerous conquests and rulers, including Babylonians, Persians, Romans, Byzantines, Muslims, Crusaders, and Ottomans. Its historic sites, like the Western Wall and Dome of the Rock, reflect its rich, complex heritage.
8. Varanasi (Banaras), India
Banaras, also known as Varanasi, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back to at least the 11th century BCE. Situated on the banks of the River Ganges in India, it is a major cultural and religious center for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. Renowned for its ghats, temples, and spiritual ambiance, Banaras is a hub for religious rituals and ceremonies. The city has been a center of learning, art, music, and literature for centuries. Revered as the abode of Lord Shiva, it attracts millions of pilgrims and tourists annually, embodying India’s rich cultural heritage.
9. Aleppo, Syria
Dates back to at least the 6th millennium BCE. Aleppo located in Syria, it thrived as a major trade center due to its strategic position on ancient trade routes, including the Silk Road. Throughout history, Aleppo witnessed the rise and fall of numerous civilizations, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans, leaving a rich cultural and architectural legacy.
10. Gaziantep, Turkey
Gaziantep, Turkey, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities, dates back to the Hittite period around 3650 BCE. Known historically as Antep, it was an important city in the Byzantine and Ottoman eras due to its strategic location on trade routes. Gaziantep is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, ancient mosaics, and significant culinary traditions, including the famous Antep pistachios and baklava, reflecting its long and diverse history.
These cities have seen countless historical events and have been home to numerous civilizations, making them some of the most fascinating places for understanding human history.
Until next time Keep travelling and take care of Nature.
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