Top 10 Oldest Cities in the World: Every city in the world harbors a unique story waiting to be discovered. Ancient cities, in particular, are repositories of rich cultural heritage, boasting tales of intriguing history, breathtaking architecture, and the enduring imprints of evolving human civilizations. These urban centers have withstood the test of time, resilient against invasions and geographical calamities. In this blog post, we delve into the fascinating realms of the ten oldest cities in the world, each with its own captivating narrative and vibrant cultural tapestry.
List Of Top 10 Oldest Cities in the World
Damascus, Syria – 11,000 years old
Renowned as the capital of Arab culture, Damascus stands as the world’s oldest city, with roots tracing back to the second half of the seventh millennium B.C. Continuously inhabited, it serves as a prominent cultural center in the Arab world, boasting a metropolitan population exceeding two million. In 2008, Damascus earned the prestigious title of Arab Capital of Culture.
Aleppo, Syria – 8,000 years old
As the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, Aleppo has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years. Situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia, it thrived as a crucial trading hub in ancient times. However, since 2012, Aleppo has faced devastating consequences due to warfare, leading to the loss of lives and displacement of residents.
Byblos, Lebanon – 7,000 years old
Located 42 kilometers north of Beirut, Byblos is the oldest and largest city in the Mount Lebanon Governorate. Inhabited since 8800 B.C., this UNESCO World Heritage Site witnessed the first import of papyrus to Greece. Its archaeological wonders include successive layers of debris, reflecting centuries of human habitation.
Argos, Greece – 7,000 years old
Situated in Argolis, the Peloponnese, Greece, Argos is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Remaining neutral throughout history, Argos is home to around 22,000 residents today, along with numerous ancient monuments that bear witness to its rich heritage.
Athens, Greece – 7,000 years old
As the capital and largest city of Greece, Athens dominates the Attica region, with a history dating back to the 11th and 7th millennium B.C. Known as the birthplace of Western civilizations and philosophy, Athens withstood destruction following Dorian and Persian invasions. Today, it stands as the oldest capital city in Europe.
Susa, Iran – 6,300 years old
Once an ancient city of the Proto-Elamite, Susa played a vital role in the Ancient Near East. Its strategic location near the Tigris River made it a significant city in the ancient world. Although Assyrians destroyed it at one point, Susa quickly rebuilt and flourished during the Persian Empire’s glory days.
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan – 6,000 years old
Inhabited by various civilizations, including Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, and Ottoman Turks, Erbil boasts the historic Erbil Citadel, dating back to 2,000 B.C. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Erbil combines modern amenities with ancient sites, providing a unique blend of the past and present.
Sidon, Lebanon – 6,000 years old
Sidon, one of the most important Phoenician cities, has thrived for at least 6,000 years. Located as a crucial port on the Mediterranean, Sidon became wealthy and famous for its glass production. This progressive city in the South Governorate is the third-largest in Lebanon.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria – 6,000 years old
As the second-largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv’s history spans over six millennia. Inhabited since 4000 B.C., this city on Nebet Tepe Hill played a crucial role in Persian, Thracian, Macedonian, and Ottoman history. Today, Plovdiv is a burgeoning tourist hub in Bulgaria.
Varanasi, India – 5,000 years old
Known as the oldest city in India and the birthplace of Hinduism, Varanasi (also called Benares or Kashi) dates back to the 11th century B.C. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Uttar Pradesh, Varanasi attracts Hindu pilgrims and global tourists. The city’s winding streets host around 2,000 temples, including the revered Kashi Vishwanath, dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva. Pilgrims engage in rituals, including bathing in the sacred Ganges and performing funeral rites, contributing to Varanasi’s spiritual aura.
………………..By ZNT News