History can sometimes be uncertain, especially when it comes to ancient times. So, it’s not easy to give definite awards for ancient superlatives. One such superlative is the title of the oldest city on Earth, but we can’t be entirely sure about it yet. However, a few cities are believed to be among the oldest and have been continuously inhabited. Here are ten of them, still thriving today.
Discover the oldest cities in the world:
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1. Damascus, Syria
One of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Damascus was founded in the 3rd millennium BC, and through excavation sites, archaeologists have proven that the area was first inhabited sometime between 8,000 and 10,000 BC. Located in present-day Syria, the city is unique as many cultures have shaped it into what it is today, including elements of Roman and Greek urban planning. Islam has also had a great influence, which is evident in the Umayyad mosque. Also known as the Great Mosque, it is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, built between 705 and 715.
2. Athens, Greece
The capital and largest city of Greece, Athens is also, of course, one of the oldest cities in the world with continuous occupation dating back to 5,000 BC, or approximately 7,000 years. Once a powerful city-state and the birthplace of democracy, history buffs will love strolling through this city as it is filled with historical gems, representing various empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. While Greece has suffered in recent years due to the economic downturn, it remains a popular destination for tourists looking to experience the incredible history, art, cuisine, and people that Athens has to offer.
3. Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon, Lebanon, is another city with a long and rich history. The area is believed to have been inhabited sometime around 4,000 B.C. C. or possibly even earlier, around 6,000 B.C. C., and it is also widely accepted that historical figures such as Jesus, Saint Paul, and Alexander the Great visited (the latter captured the city). Located south of Beirut, this Phoenician city is now one of the largest cities in Lebanon and is home to Sayhad, a busy port. Much of Sidon’s history lies beneath the modern buildings, making it difficult for archaeologists to excavate; however, there are amazing sites to explore, including the Sidon Sea Castle.
4. Ray, Iran
Part of the Tehran metropolitan area in Iran, Ray, is the oldest city in the province and one of the oldest in the world with evidence supporting the fact that inhabitants date back to 6,000 BC. Steeped in history, the city was mentioned as a sacred place in the Avesta, which are the ancient scriptures of Zoroastrianism. The Arabs captured the city in 641, and it was nearly destroyed by the Mongols in 1220. Surviving historical monuments include the 12th-century Toghrol Tower and the 5,000-year-old Cheshmeh Ali Hill, “a hill with a spring” and an excavation site where 7,000-year-old artifacts were discovered.
5. Jerusalem, Israel
A major religious center for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic religions, Jerusalem is steeped in history. Some of the earliest inhabitants date back to 2,800 BC, and with such a long history, it’s safe to say that the city (like any city on this list) has been through a lot, including being besieged, attacked, and captured numerous times. throughout its existence. Jerusalem is home to many wonderful sites, including the Western Wall (circa 19 BC) – a retaining wall of the holiest site, the Temple Mount, for the Jewish people – The Old City, built by King David in 1004 BC, and the Mount of Olives.
6. Faiyum, Egypt
The oldest city in Egypt and one of the oldest in Africa, Faiyum was founded around 4,000 B.C. Located about 62 miles southwest of Cairo, Faiyum lies partly in an area that was once the ancient city of Crocodilopolis, whose inhabitants worshiped a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos that had its pond in the temple. Today, mounds are marking the site of ‘The Crocodile City’, plus Faiyum is home to bazaars, markets, mosques and baths.
7. Byblos, Lebanon
Another city located in present-day Lebanon, Byblos, originally known as Gebal, is one of the oldest Phoenician cities, founded around 5,000 BC. Located along the Mediterranean coast, about 40 kilometers north of Beirut, Byblos, the name given to the city by the Greeks, is the place from which the Phoenician alphabet spread. Today, many sites will interest history buffs, such as the Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century, and the Phoenician Royal Necropolis, which is located near the castle.
8. Jericho, Palestinian Territories
A small city with a population of 20,000, Jericho, which is located in the Palestinian Territories, is believed to be the oldest city in the world. Some of the earliest archaeological evidence for the area dates back 11,000 years. Having gone through its turmoil, including being destroyed and rebuilt more than once, Jericho still stands today, offering visitors several historical and religious sites to see, including the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil, and Nabi Musa, the area where the tomb of Moses is believed to be located.
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. Inhabited since 4000 BC, beginning with a Neolithic settlement, Plovdiv has been conquered by many people throughout its history, including the Greeks and Romans, which is evident in the ancient ruins found throughout the city. Some of the highlights include the old Philippopolis Stadium (an old name for Plovdiv); the Roman Amphitheatre, which still hosts important events; and the Ruins of Eumolpias, a Thracian settlement from 5000 BC. c.
10. Gaziantep, Türkiye
Located in southern Turkey, near the Syrian border, the first inhabitants of Gaziantep settled in 3,600 BC. Also known as Antep, this city offers visitors many historical sites to explore, including the Gaziantep Castle and Ravanda Citadel, both of which were restored in the 6th century by the Byzantines, and the ruins of Rumkale. Other highlights include the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. Also, the city is known for its pistachio baklava and has more than 150 pastry shops.
