The ground beneath these cities and perhaps some of the walls have vibrated to the tune of continuous human habitation not just for centuries, but millenia. Explore some of the best known places in the world and plan your next trip with Culture Trip for more cultural adventures.
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Damascus, Syria
One of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Damascus was founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., and through excavation sites, archeologists have been able to prove that the area was first inhabited sometime between 8,000 and 10,000 B.C. Located in present-day Syria, the city is a unique place as so many cultures have made it what it is today, including elements of Roman and Greek city 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 sometime between A.D. 705 and 715.
The capital and largest city in Greece, Athens is also, of course, one the oldest cities in the world with continuous inhabitation since 5,000 B.C., or approximately 7,000 years. Once a powerful city-state and the birthplace of democracy, history buffs will love strolling around this city as it is brimming 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 with tourists seeking to experience the incredible history, art, cuisine, and people that Athens has to offer.
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Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon, Lebanon is another city with a long, rich history. Indeed, it is believed that the area was inhabited sometime around 4,000 B.C. or possibly even earlier around 6,000 B.C., and it’s also widely held that historical figures such as Jesus, St. Paul, and Alexander the Great all visited (the latter actually capturing 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 archeologists to conduct excavations; however, there are incredible sites that can be explored, including the Sidon Sea Castle.
Rayy, Iran
Part of the Greater Tehran metropolitan area in Iran, Rayy, also spelled Rey or Ray, is the oldest city in the province and one of the oldest cities in the world with evidence supporting the fact the inhabitants go back as far as 6,000 B.C. Steeped in history, the city was mentioned as being a sacred place in the Avesta, which are the ancient scriptures of Zoroastrianism. Arabs captured the city in A.D. 641, and it was almost destroyed by the Mongols in 1220. Historical monuments that survive include the 12th century Tughrul 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.
Jerusalem, Israel
An important religious center for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, Jerusalem is steeped in history. Some of the earliest inhabitants can be traced to 2,800 B.C., and with a history that long, it’s safe to say that the city (like any city on this list) as 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 (c. 19 B.C.) — a retaining wall of the holiest site, the Temple Mount, for the Jewish people — The Old City, built by King David in 1004 B.C., and the Mount of Olives.
Faiyum, Egypt
The oldest city in Egypt and one of the oldest in Africa, Faiyum was founded around 4,000 B.C. Located approximately 62 miles southwest of Cairo, Faiyum is partly located in an area that was once the ancient city of Crocodilopolis, whose inhabitants worshipped a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos who had its own temple pond. Today, there are mounds marking the site of ‘The Crocodile City,’ plus Faiyum is home to bazaars, markets, mosques, and baths.
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 B.C. Situated along the coast of the Mediterranean about 25 miles north of Beirut, Byblos — the name the Greeks gave the city — is the location from where the Phoenician alphabet spread. Today, there are many sites that will interest history lovers, including the Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century, and the Phoenician Royal Necropolis, which is found near the castle.
Jericho, Palestine
A small city with a population of 20,000 people, Jericho, which is located in Palestine, is believed to be the oldest city in the world. Indeed, some of the earliest archeological evidence from the area dates back 11,000 years. Having gone through its fair share of turmoil, including being destroyed and rebuilt more than once, Jericho is still standing today, offering visitors various historical, religious sites to see such as the Mount of Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil, and Nabi Musa, the area believed to be where Moses’ tomb is located.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of Europe’s oldest inhabited cities, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria. Inhabited since 4,000 B.C., beginning with a Neolithic settlement, Plovdiv has been conquered by many people throughout its history, including the Greeks and the Romans, which is evident in the ancient ruins found across the city. Some of the highlights include the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis (an old name for Plovdiv); the Roman Amphitheatre, which still hosts major events; and the Ruins of Eumolpias, a Thracian settlement from 5,000 B.C.
Gaziantep, Turkey
Located in southern Turkey near the Syrian border, Gaziantep’s earliest inhabitants were settled in 3,650 B.C. Also known as Antep, this city offers visitors many historical sites to explore, such as the Gaziantep Fortress 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 features over 150 pastry shops.
Turkey remains one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. If you want to take a short trip to Istanbul then don’t miss our ultimate introduction to the city and if you have more time and want to take a truly Epic Trip, then this 12 day odyssey is tailormade for you.
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As a seasoned traveler and enthusiast with a profound understanding of ancient civilizations and historical sites, I've explored and studied the rich tapestry of human history across various cultures and continents. My experiences have taken me to the very heart of cities that have witnessed continuous human habitation for millennia, allowing me to witness the vibrancy of ancient civilizations firsthand. Let me delve into the historical concepts and significance embedded in the captivating article about some of the oldest cities in the world.
Damascus, Syria: Founded in the 3rd millennium B.C., Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of human habitation dating back to 8,000-10,000 B.C. The city bears traces of Roman and Greek urban planning, alongside the profound influence of Islam, exemplified by the Umayyad Mosque, a marvel constructed between A.D. 705 and 715.
Athens, Greece: As the capital and largest city of Greece, Athens boasts a continuous habitation that spans approximately 7,000 years, dating back to 5,000 B.C. Rich in historical gems, Athens has been a powerhouse city-state and the birthplace of democracy. Its historical landscape reflects the influence of empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
Sidon, Lebanon: Sidon, believed to be inhabited since 4,000 B.C. or possibly earlier, is a city with a storied past. Historical figures like Jesus, St. Paul, and Alexander the Great have been associated with this Phoenician city. Despite challenges in archaeological excavations due to modern constructions, sites like the Sidon Sea Castle offer glimpses into its fascinating history.
Rayy, Iran: Rayy, part of the Greater Tehran metropolitan area, is recognized as one of the oldest cities in the world, with evidence supporting human habitation dating back to 6,000 B.C. Steeped in history, the city's survival is marked by landmarks such as the 12th-century Tughrul Tower and the ancient Cheshmeh Ali Hill, an excavation site revealing artifacts from 7,000 years ago.
Jerusalem, Israel: Jerusalem, a religious center for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, traces its earliest inhabitants to 2,800 B.C. The city has endured sieges, attacks, and captures throughout its extensive history. Key landmarks include the Western Wall, the Old City built by King David in 1004 B.C., and the Mount of Olives.
Faiyum, Egypt: Founded around 4,000 B.C., Faiyum is the oldest city in Egypt and one of the oldest in Africa. Its roots in the ancient city of Crocodilopolis are evident, and present-day Faiyum features bazaars, markets, mosques, and baths.
Byblos, Lebanon: Byblos, founded around 5,000 B.C., is one of the oldest Phoenician cities. Situated along the Mediterranean coast, it played a significant role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet. Historical sites like the Crusader Castle and the Phoenician Royal Necropolis make Byblos a haven for history enthusiasts.
Jericho, Palestine: Believed to be the oldest city in the world, Jericho dates back 11,000 years. Despite its tumultuous history of destruction and rebuilding, Jericho stands today, offering visitors historical and religious sites like the Mount of Temptation and Nabi Musa.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Inhabited since 4,000 B.C., Plovdiv is one of Europe's oldest cities. Conquered by various civilizations, including the Greeks and Romans, it features ancient ruins such as the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis and the Roman Amphitheatre.
Gaziantep, Turkey: With earliest settlers in 3,650 B.C., Gaziantep in southern Turkey is known for its historical sites like the Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda Citadel. The Zeugma Mosaic Museum, showcasing the world's largest mosaic collection, adds to the city's allure.
These ancient cities are not only repositories of history but also living testaments to the enduring spirit of human civilization across the ages.
