The oldest cities. The most ancient cities in the world (24 photos)
Ancient cities with thousand-year history can surprise you not only with beautiful architecture and unique artifacts. Their old walls retain the signs of previous eras and civilizations and show both positive and negative sides evolution of mankind.
1. Damascus, Syria
The capital of Syria, Damascus, is also the second largest city in the state. Damascus has a population of nearly 2 million. The city is very well located between Africa and Asia, and this is an advantageous geographical position at the crossroads of East and West, make the Syrian capital an important cultural, commercial and administrative center of the state.
The history of the city begins around 2,500 BC, although the exact historical period of the settlement of Damascus is still unknown to scientists. The architecture of the buildings is varied and marked by several ancient civilizations: Hellenistic, Byzantine, Roman and Islamic.
Old city-the fortress is breathtaking with its ancient buildings, narrow streets, green courtyards and white houses and all the more contrasts with the flow of tourists who come from all over the world to see this stunning ancient city.
2. Athens, Greece
The capital of Greece is Athens, the cradle of Western civilization with a population of about 3 million. The history of the ancient city is more than 7000 years old, and its architecture bears the influence of the Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman civilizations.
Athens is home to some of the world's greatest writers, playwrights, philosophers and artists. Modern Athens is a cosmopolitan city, cultural, political and industrial center of Greece. The historic center of the city consists of the Acropolis (high city), a high hill with the remains of ancient buildings, and the Parthenon, a monumental temple of Ancient Greece.
Athens is also considered a huge archaeological research center, full of historical museums, including the National Archaeological Museum, Christian and Byzantine museums, new Acropolis museum.
If you decide to visit Athens, be sure to visit the port of Piraeus, which for centuries has been the most important port in the Mediterranean due to its strategic position.
3. Byblos, Lebanon
The ancient city of Byblos (the modern name of Jbeil) is another cradle of many civilizations. This is one of oldest cities Phenicia, the first mention of which dates back to 5000 BC. It is believed that it was in Byblos that the Phoenician alphabet was invented, which is still used today.
There is also a legend that english word The Bible derives from the name of the city, as Byblos was an important seaport at that time through which papyrus was imported.
Currently, Byblos is a harmonious fusion of a modern polis and ancient buildings and is a popular tourist destination, thanks to the ancient fortresses and temples, a picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins and a port, to which people come from all over the world.
4. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is the most visited ancient city in the Middle East by tourists and is the most important religious center in the world. This is a holy place for Christians, Jews and Muslims, currently it is home to about 800,000 people, 60% of whom are Jewish.
Jerusalem has experienced many of the greatest tragic events in its history, including sieges and destruction caused by the bloody Crusades. The old city was founded about 4000 years ago and is strictly divided into four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian. The hardest thing for tourists to get into the isolated Armenian quarter.
In 1981, the Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jerusalem is not just a city, for the Jews of the whole world it symbolizes their home, a place where they want to return after long wanderings.
5. Varanasi, India
India is a mystical country, home to the most ancient civilizations and religions. And a special place in it is occupied by the sacred city of Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges River and founded more than 12 centuries before the birth of Christ. Hindus believe that the city was created by the god Shiva himself.
Varanasi, also known as Benares, was a place of worship for pilgrims and wanderers from all over India. Mark Twain once said so about it ancient city: "Benares is older than history itself, it is even twice as old as all the ancient legends and traditions of India, put together."
Modern Varanasi is an outstanding religious and cultural center, home to famous musicians, poets and writers. Here you can buy fabric the highest class, excellent perfumery, stunningly beautiful ivory products, famous Indian silk and finely crafted jewelry.
6. Cholula, Mexico
Over 2,500 years ago, the ancient city of Cholula was founded from numerous scattered villages. Various Latin American cultures such as the Olmecs, Toltecs and Aztecs existed here. The name of the city in the Nahuatl language literally translates as "place of flight".
After the city was captured by the Spaniards, Cholule began to develop rapidly. The great conqueror of Mexico and conquistador Hernan Cortez called Cholula "the most beautiful city outside of Spain."
Today, it is a small colonial town with a population of 60,000, the main attraction of which is the Great Pyramid of Cholula with a sanctuary on top. It is one of the largest man-made monuments ever built by man.
7. Jericho, Palestine
Today, Jericho is a small town with a population of about 20,000 inhabitants. In the Bible, it is called "the city of palm trees." testify that the first people began to settle here almost 11,000 years ago.
Jericho is located practically in the center of Palestine, which makes it ideal place for trade routes. In addition, the natural beauty and resources of this area have led to numerous invasions of enemy hordes into ancient Palestine. In the first century AD, the Romans completely destroyed the city, then it was rebuilt by the Byzantines, and destroyed again. After that, for several centuries it remained deserted.
For almost the entire 20th century, Jericho was occupied by Israel and Jordan until it became part of Palestine again in 1994. The most famous sights of Jericho are the fabulously beautiful palace of Caliph Hisham, the Shalom al-Israel synagogue and the Mount of Temptation, where, according to the Bible, the devil tempted Jesus Christ for 40 days.
8. Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo The largest city in Syria, it is home to about 2.3 million people. The city has a very favorable geographical position, being in the center of the Great Silk Road, which connected Asia and the Mediterranean. Aleppo has a history of over 8,000 years, although archaeologists say the first people settled in the area 13,000 years ago.
In various historical eras, this ancient city was ruled by the Byzantines, Romans and Ottomans. As a consequence, the buildings of Aleppo combine several different architectural styles... Local residents call Aleppo "the soul of Syria".
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The history of the city of Plovdiv begins as early as 4000 BC. and over the centuries, this oldest city in Europe has been ruled by many vanished empires.
It was originally a Thracian city, later captured by the Romans. In 1885 the city became part of Bulgaria and now it is the second largest city in the country and is an important educational, cultural and economic center of the state.
You should definitely take a walk through the Old Town, where numerous ancient monuments have been preserved. There is even a Roman amphitheater here, built by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD! There are many beautiful churches and temples, unique museums and monuments, and if you want a little touch of ancient history, be sure to visit this place.
10. Luoyang, China
While most of the ancient cities are in the Mediterranean, Luoyang stands out from this list as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Asia. Luoyang is considered the geographical center of China, the cradle of Chinese culture and stories. People settled here almost 4,000 years ago, and now Luoyang is one of the largest cities in China with a population of 7,000,000.
Population the globe began to settle in cities since antiquity. On our planet, there are still cities that were founded several millennia ago. And, what is most surprising, not all of them can be called extinct - life is in full swing in many. Of course, in such cities there is something to see for tourists - amazing sights, sacred places and atmosphere of history make them very attractive.
1. Jericho (Palestine).
Estimated year of foundation: 9000 BC The most ancient of the existing cities. Archaeologists have found the remains of 20 Jericho settlements that are more than 11,000 years old. The city is based on the west bank of the Jordan River. Now it is home to about 20,000 people.
2. Byblos (Lebanon).
Established: 5000 BC The city founded by the Phoenicians under the name "Gebal" received its present name from the Greeks who imported papyrus here. The word "Bible" has one root with the toponym "Bible". Among the main tourist attractions of the city are the Phoenician temples, the Byblos fortress and the Church of St. John the Baptist, built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, as well as the old medieval city wall. The Bybla International Festival attracts many performers here.
3. Aleppo (Syria).
Established: 4300 BC The most populous city in Syria, home to about 4.4 million people, was founded under the name "Aleppo" in about 4300 BC. On the ancient site of the city, there are modern residential and administrative buildings, so archaeological excavations have hardly been carried out here. Until 800 BC the city belonged to the Hittites, then to the Assyrians, Greeks and Persians. Later, the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs lived here. Aleppo was conquered by the Crusaders in the Middle Ages, then by the Mongols and the Ottoman Empire.
4. Damascus (Syria).
Established: 4300 BC Damascus, which some sources call the oldest inhabited city on earth, may have been inhabited as early as 10,000 BC, although this fact is considered controversial. After the arrival of the Arameans, who broke the network of canals, still forming the basis modern water supply, the city became an important settlement. Damascus was conquered by the army of Alexander the Great, it was owned by the Romans, Arabs and Turks. Today, the abundance of historical sites makes the capital of Syria popular with tourists.
5. Susa (Iran).
Established: 4200 BC Susa was the capital of the Elamite Empire and was later conquered by the Assyrians. Then they passed into the possession of the Persian royal dynasty Akhmenids during the reign of Cyrus the Great. Here is the scene of the Aeschylus tragedy "The Persians", the oldest play in the history of the theater. About 65,000 people live in the modern city of Shusha.
6. Fayum (Egypt).
Established: 4000 BC Fayyum, located southwest of Cairo, is part of Crocodilopolis, an ancient Egyptian city where the god Sebek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, was revered. Several large bazaars, mosques and baths can be found in modern Fayyum. Near the city are the Lekhin and Hawara pyramids.
7. Sidon (Lebanon).
Established: 4000 BC South of Beirut is Sidon, one of the most important and possibly the oldest Phoenician cities. From here the great Mediterranean empire of the Phoenicians began to grow. It is said that Sidon was visited by Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. Alexander the Great captured the city in 333 BC.
8. Plovdiv (Bulgaria).
Established: 4000 BC Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, was originally a Thracian settlement and later became an important Roman city. Later it passed into the hands of the Byzantines and Turks, and then became part of Bulgaria. The city is an important cultural center, boasting numerous ancient monuments, including a Roman amphitheater and aqueduct, as well as Turkish baths.
9. Gaziantep (Turkey).
Established: 3650 BC Founded in southern Turkey near the Syrian border, Gaziantep has its roots in Hittite times. The Ravanda fortress, restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century, is located in the center of the city. Fragments of Roman mosaics have also been found here.
10. Beirut (Lebanon).
Established: 3000 BC The capital of Lebanon, as well as its cultural, administrative and economic center, boasts a rich history dating back about 5,000 years. Excavations in the city have revealed Phoenician, Ancient Greek, Roman, Arab and Turkish artifacts. The city was mentioned in the epistles of the Egyptian pharaoh as early as the 14th century. BC. After graduation civil war in Lebanon, Beirut has become a lively, modern destination ideal for tourists.
11. Jerusalem (Israel).
Established: 2800 BC The spiritual center of the Jews and the third holy city of Muslims is the location of several key attractions of great significance to believers. Among them are the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Throughout its long history, the city was captured 23 times, attacked 52 times, besieged 44 times and destroyed twice.
12. Tire (Lebanon).
Established: 2750 BC Tire, according to legend, is the birthplace of Europe. It was founded around 2750 BC, according to Herodotus. In 332 BC. the city after a seven-month siege was conquered by Alexander the Great. In 64 BC. Tire became a Roman province. Today, the main industry of the legendary city is tourism: the Roman Hippodrome in Tire is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List.
13. Erbil (Iraq).
Established: 2300 BC To the north of Kirkuk is Erbil, which at different times belonged to the Assyrians, Persians, Sassanids, Arabs and Turks. Erbil was an important settlement on the Great Silk Road, and its ancient fortress, towering 26 meters above the ground, still dominates the cityscape.
14. Kirkuk (Iraq).
Established: 2200 BC Kirkuk, located north of Baghdad, stands on the site of the ancient Assyrian capital of Arrapha. The strategic importance of the settlement was recognized by the inhabitants of Babylon and Media, who controlled the city. The ruins of a 5,000-year-old fortress can still be viewed. The city itself is now home to many of Iraq's oil companies.
15. Balkh (Afghanistan).
Established: 1500 BC Balkh, called Bactra by the ancient Greeks, is located in northern Afghanistan. The Arabs call him "the mother of cities". The city reached its heyday in 2500-1900. BC, even before the rise of the Persian and Median empires. Modern Balkh is the capital of the region's textile industry.
16. Athens (Greece)
Established: 1400 BC Athens, the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, is a popular tourist destination. Here you can see Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments, and the city's heritage is recognized throughout the world as the greatest.
17. Larnaca (Cyprus).
Established: 1400 BC Larnaca, founded by the Phoenicians under the name Citium, is famous for its marvelous palm-lined promenade. Archaeological sites and numerous beaches attract many tourists.
18. Thebes (Greece).
Established: 1400 BC Thebes, the main "rival" of Athens, led the Boetia confederation and even provided assistance to Xerxes during the Persian invasion (480 BC). Archaeological excavations have shown that before the foundation of the city, a Mycenaean settlement was located here. Today Thebes is primarily a trading city.
19. Cadiz (Spain).
Established: 1100 BC Cadiz, built on a narrow patch of land near the Atlantic Ocean, from the 18th century. is the main city of the Spanish fleet. It was founded by the Phoenicians as a small trading post. Around 500 BC the city went to the Carthaginians, from here Hannibal began the conquest of Iberia. Then Cadiz was ruled by the Romans and the Moors, and during the years of the Great Geographical Discoveries it reached its heyday.
20. Varanasi (India).
Established: 1000 BC Varanasi, also known as Benares, is located on the western bank of the Ganges and is a significant sacred city for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to legend, it was founded by the Hindu god Shiva 5,000 years ago, although modern scholars believe that the city is about 3,000 years old.
Among the other most ancient cities in Europe, we also note Lisbon (about 1000 BC), Rome (753 BC), Corfu (about 700 BC) and Mantua (about 500 BC).
Cities with a thousand-year history can surprise you with much more than just beautiful architecture and unique artifacts. They bear the imprints of previous eras and civilizations and they are a reflection of both positive and negative events of mankind. These cities are full of amazing stories and legends and are the biggest draws for seasoned explorers. Let's take a look at cities that are almost as old as the hills they were built on.
10. Damascus, Syria
The capital of Syria, Damascus, is also the country's second largest city with a population of approximately 2.5 million. The history of the city dates back to 10,000 - 8,000 BC, although exact time is still under discussion. Damascus is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The city, located between Africa and Asia, enjoys an advantageous geographical location at the crossroads of East and West.
From time immemorial, Damascus has been a significant cultural, commercial and administrative center. It was a place of concentration of local and foreign traders and artisans. The city was shaped by several civilizations that created it: Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine and Islamic. The old walled city impresses with its ancient architecture, narrow streets, green courtyards and white houses. However, the age-old architecture contrasts slightly with the flow of tourists who come from all over the world to see this breathtaking place.
9. Athens, Greece
Cradle of Western civilization, Athens is the capital of Greece with a population of approximately three million. It has been inhabited for over 7000 years. The exterior of the city is marked by Ottoman, Byzantine and Roman civilizations. It is home to prominent philosophers, writers, playwrights, artists and classic style that they gave rise to.
Modern Athens is a multicultural city. It is the cultural, media, educational, political and industrial center of Greece. The historic center of the city is located in the Acropolis ("high city"), on a huge hill with the remains of ancient buildings and the Parthenon. Considered a huge archaeological research center, Athens is full of historical museums, including the National Archaeological Museum, the Byzantine and Christian Museum, and the New Acropolis Museum.
When visiting Athens, you shouldn't miss the opportunity to visit the Port of Piraeus, which has been the most important port in the Mediterranean for centuries due to its geostrategic location.
8. Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos is another cradle of many ancient civilizations. It is one of the oldest cities in Phenicia and has been continuously inhabited for 5,000 years, although the first signs of settlement date back to earlier periods. The Bible is directly related to the development of the Phoenician alphabet, which is still used today. Interestingly, the English word Bible is derived from the city's name, as the Bible was an important port through which papyrus was imported.
Today, Byblos is a popular tourist destination due to its many wonders, including ancient citadels and temples, which offer scenic views of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins and the port. Over the years, it has become a modern city, but the imprint of antiquity is visible to the naked eye. It has an impressive combination of tradition and sophistication, and it still lives on from its ancient heart.
7. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is one of the most visited cities in the Middle East and also the most important religious destination in the world. As you know, Jerusalem is considered a holy place for Jews, Christians and Muslims. According to the Bible, Jerusalem was founded by David as the capital of the United Kingdom of Israel. Currently, Jerusalem is home to 800,000 residents, 60 percent of whom are of the Jewish faith.
Jerusalem has experienced many tragic events over the years, including numerous attacks, sieges and destruction. The Old City was founded four thousand years ago. It is divided into four quadrants, which are known today as the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Armenian Quarter and the Jewish Quarter.
In 1981, the Old Town was listed as a World Heritage Site in Danger. Modernization has spread far beyond the ancient center. Jerusalem has incredible symbolic meaning for the Jewish people around the world, as it symbolizes their desire to return home.
6. Varanasi, India
India is the world famous homeland of ancient civilizations, religions and spirituality. The holy city of India, Varanasi, is located on the banks of the Ganges River, which, according to the Hindus, was founded by Shiva. The history of the city dates back to the 12th century BC.
Varanasi, also known as Benares, was a destination for pilgrims and wanderers. Mark Twain once said the following about this city: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition and even older than legend. He looks twice the age of all of them put together. " Varanasi is an outstanding cultural and religious center with many famous poets, writers and musicians living in the city.
Varanasi had great industrial potential due to its high quality fabrics, perfumes, sculptures and trade ivory... It is currently a center for arts and crafts. Here you can find almost everything you could imagine, including brocade silk, carpet weaving, toys, glass and ivory works, perfumes, as well as various accessories and jewelry. For some people, Varanasi is a true paradise.
5. Cholula, Mexico
Over 2500 years ago, the city of Cholula developed from numerous scattered villages. It was home to various Latin American cultures such as the Olmecs, Toltecs, and Aztecs. The name of the city means "place of flight" in the Nahuatl language and was previously called Acholollan. When the city was taken over by the Spaniards, it began to flourish. Cortez once called Cholula "the most beautiful city outside of Spain."
It is currently a small colonial city with a population of 60,000. The city's most notable landmark is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, with a sanctuary on top. It is considered the largest monument ever built by humans. It consists of many tunnels and caves, but only a small part of these tunnels have been converted into passages and are open to the public.
4. Jericho, Palestine
Jericho is currently a small city with a population of about 20,000. In the Hebrew Bible, it is called the City of Palm Trees. Archaeological excavations have provided evidence of human settlement in this city almost 11,000 years ago, with at least 20 settlements.
Jericho is located in the center of Palestine, making it ideal for routes and trade. Moreover, natural beauty and the resources of Jericho led to numerous invasions of ancient Palestine. In the first century, the city was destroyed by the Romans, rebuilt by the Byzantines and destroyed again before being abandoned over the centuries. In the 20th century, the territory of Jericho was occupied by Jordan and Israel before becoming part of Palestine in 1994. The most famous sights of Jericho are Tell es-Sultan, the Palace of Hisham, and the mosaic floor of the "Peace to Israel" synagogue.
3. Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo is the largest city in Syria, with more than two million inhabitants. Aleppo has an incredibly advantageous geographic location, located in the center of the Great Silk Road that connected Asia and the Mediterranean. The city has remained inhabited for over 8,000 years, however archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of human habitation in the area, which is almost 13,000 years old. Throughout various eras, Aleppo was under the control of the Romans, Byzantines, Ottomans and ended up being a mixture of architectural styles.
The old town is filled with hotels, schools, hammams, and churches from the 13th and 14th centuries. Aleppo also stands out for its narrow streets and large estates, although its modern part is characterized by wide roads and large areas... Interestingly, Aleppo is made up of cell-like segments that are socially and economically independent. Over the years, the city was exposed to invasions and was in instability, so the inhabitants were forced to fortify the city. Aleppo is often referred to as the "soul of Syria".
2. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The history of Plovdiv dates back to 4000 BC, we learned about this thanks to the Neolithic excavations. Over the centuries, Plovdiv was ruled by many empires, although it was originally a Thracian city. It was later conquered by the Romans. In the Middle Ages, Plovdiv was an attractive territory for the Bulgarian, Byzantine and Ottoman empires. In 1885, the city became part of Bulgaria and is now the second largest city in the country, as well as a significant economic, educational and cultural center.
The old town is definitely worth seeing. It found itself crowded with restaurants, workshops and museums that had previously been famous houses... Archaeological sites, museums, churches and temples are also must-see places in Plovdiv.
1. Luoyang, China 
While most of the old cities are located in the Mediterranean, Luoyang stands as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Asia. It is included in the list of the Seven Great Ancient Capitals of China and is also considered the geographical center of China and the cradle of Chinese culture and history. No other city in China has survived as many dynasties and emperors as Luoyang, which has been inhabited for over 4,000 years and now boasts a population of nearly 7 million.
With its long and exciting history, Luoyang has become a spectacular tourist destination. The Longmen Grottoes complex and numerous historical Buddhist temples are the real landmarks of the city. In addition, there is also the famous Temple of the White Horse (Baimasy) - the first temple built in China.
The oldest cities in the world live to this day. These settlements have passed what is called the test of time.
History can be surprisingly unpredictable, but some of its monuments have been unshakable for several thousand years. Here is a list of the most ancient cities in the world that did not decline and were not lost over the years, but were constantly inhabited by people. Find out which cities in the East, Europe and Asia are not only considered the oldest, but are still inhabited! You may also be wondering which civilization is considered the most ancient.
The oldest cities in East Asia
Although the Chinese civilization is rightfully considered one of the most ancient, the age of its oldest surviving cities is significantly inferior to the age of the first fortified settlements of the Near and Middle East. But even these numbers are awe-inspiring for a person who has come face to face with the legacy of the times.Beijing
The country: ChinaYear of foundation: 1045 BC
Ancient name the current capital of China - Ji. The city, founded in 1045 BC, was listed as the capital of the feudal principality of Yan for almost two thousand years, until in 938 AD. the Liao Dynasty did not make it the second capital of Northern China. Beijing (it was also called Beijin and, later, Beiping) was the most important state center in the era of Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing, and retained this status after the formation of New China. By the way, it was in the vicinity of Beijing that the remains of Sinanthropus were found - the so-called "Peking man", whose age dates back to about 600 thousand years.
Sian
The country: ChinaYear of foundation: 1100 BC
Over the course of 3100 years, Xian (ancient names - Haodzin, Chan-An), the most ancient city of China from nowadays inhabited, has been the capital of ten major dynasties. A large cultural and political center was also famous for the manufacture of bronze items; some products have survived to this day and are now exhibited in local museums. In 907, the Tang dynasty died out, after which the city slowly fell into decay. Subsequently, he played an important role in the development of state trade, but did not return to its former greatness.
The oldest cities in the Middle East
The ancient Near East, namely the area between the Tigris and the Euphrates, is considered the cradle of human civilization. Mesopotamia is the largest ancient civilization, which, despite its greatness, could not withstand the onslaught of centuries. But, for example, neighboring Egypt still pleases tourists with its ancient capital.Balkh
The country: AfghanistanYear of foundation: 1500 BC
This city, located on the territory of modern Afghanistan, is often called the cradle of three religions: Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Buddhism. Balkh is considered to be the birthplace of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism - the most ancient religion in the world known to man.
Luxor
The country: EgyptYear of foundation: 3200 BC
Approximately XXII-XX centuries BC Luxor was the capital of Waset (fourth nome Ancient egypt), then became the main city of the entire kingdom of Egypt and remained so until the X century BC. It is also known to historians by the Greek name Thebes.
El-Fayyum
The country: EgyptYear of foundation: 3200 BC
Another ancient Egyptian city appeared on the world map in the 4th millennium BC. Fayyum is located southwest of Cairo, in the territory of the ancient Crocodilopolis. Such an unusual name is the settlement in honor of the cult of the sacred crocodile Petsuhos, which was worshiped by the locals. Now the city is quite modern, here you can visit large bazaars, mosques, baths, as well as the pyramids of Khavara and Lehin.
The oldest cities in Europe
Athens
The country: GreeceYear of foundation: 1400 BC
The exact date of the founding of Athens is unknown. Written sources indicate that states Of the ancient world knew about the existence of a settlement on the site of modern Athens already in 9600 BC. However, the city itself, which is rightfully called the cradle of Greek culture, emerged only in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC.
Agros
The country: GreeceYear of foundation: 2000 BC
The date of foundation of the city of Agros (Peloponnese) is conventionally considered 2000 BC. - the first evidence of its existence found by archaeologists dates back to this period. Perhaps its history goes much deeper. According to the ancient Greek epic, Agros coexisted with Mycenae and Tiryns, now in ruins.
Mantua
The country: ItalyYear of foundation: 2000 BC
Mantua is a small town in the Lombardy region, founded by the Etruscans and Gauls. For most of its history, Mantua was located on an island on the Mincio River. Subsequently, already in the Middle Ages, the inhabitants blocked the channel and turned the island into a peninsula. As a result, the city was surrounded by lakes on three sides. By the way, in the vicinity of Mantua, the ancient Roman poet Virgil was born.
Plovdiv
The country: BulgariaYear of foundation: 6000 BC
The most ancient city in Europe is located in a picturesque place in the south of Bulgaria, on the coast of the Maritsa River. Like Rome, it was erected on seven hills - three of them can be clearly distinguished today. Plovdiv was originally a small village called Tratsian, which later turned into a major center of the Roman Empire. Before becoming part of Bulgaria, Plovdiv also came under the rule of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Modern Plovdiv is a flourishing city with a rich cultural and social life.
The oldest cities in the Middle East
Byblos
The country: LebanonYear of foundation: 5000 BC
Once upon a time on the site of modern Jebeil stood the ancient city of Byblos - the heart of all Mediterranean shipping, the largest exporter of papyrus to Hellas. In the sixth millennium BC, these places were chosen by nomadic fishing tribes. After a couple of thousand years, the settlement, nicknamed by the inhabitants of Gubla, was overgrown stone walls, and its inhabitants continued the traditions of their ancestors and turned the city into a prosperous harbor. In the III millennium BC. Gubla passed into the possession of the Phoenicians - the sea people were attracted by its convenient position and developed water infrastructure. In the second millennium BC, the city acquired its own script, which significantly increased its prosperity, which was entirely dependent on trade. And a little later, he became the main exporter of papyrus to Greece. The papyrus in ancient Greek was known precisely as "biblus", and the city, accordingly, began to be called the same.
Jericho
The country: PalestineYear of foundation: 6800 BC
The most ancient city in the world is Jericho (meaning a settlement with fortified walls). Although the first human settlements arose here, on the western bank of the Jordan, back in the 8th millennium BC. The powerful walls of the Jericho Tower still remind of those times. According to the biblical legend, the walls of this city in time immemorial fell from the sounds of the trumpet of Joshua. During excavations, which were closely tackled in the middle of the 20th century, archaeologists discovered as many as forty so-called "cultural layers" under these lands!
You can also find out about the most ancient city of Russia, its history and location on our website.
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This material will acquaint you not with the very first cities that appeared on our planet, but with such cities that, from the moment of their foundation, have been constantly inhabited. Although, disputes about the very, very among them have been going on for more than one year.
1.
Most often, the most ancient city that successfully exists to this day is considered Palestinian town of Jericho, which appeared in the Copper Age (9000 BC).
2.
In second place is the capital of Syria is Damascus. It appeared in the same era as Jericho, but about a millennium later.
3.
Small town Byblos located in the suburbs capital of Lebanon, Beirut, has a history that dates back to the Neolithic (7000 BC).
Photo of the old town.
4. Iranian city of Susa (Shush) has a controversial foundation date, which ranges from 5000-7000 BC.
5.
Another controversial city is Syrian Aleppo. The problem is that there is no old or new city here. Today Aleppo is located on the site of the first settlements, which significantly complicates the conduct of archaeological excavations.
6. Sidon - Lebanese town, first inhabited 5500 BC
7. El-Fayyum - an oasis city in the middle of the Libyan desert was founded around 4000 BC.
8.
Oddly enough, but the oldest in Europe, still an existing city with a constant population throughout history, is Bulgarian Plovdiv (city on seven hills), on the modern territory of which the first settlements also appeared 4000 years BC.
9. Turkish Gaziantep, according to one version, it appeared 3650 BC. But the date is also contested downward.
10. Two Greek cities, Argos and Athens, appeared at about the same time. Nevertheless, disputes over the first permanent settlements are ongoing. The exact facts of the existence of urban settlements date back 5000 BC However, there is information about seven millennia BC. In general, the controversy continues.
Argos.
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