List Of 10 Oldest Cities In The World: Explore World’s Oldest Cities; From Damascus To Varanasi

List Of 10 Oldest Cities In The World: Cities around the world have unique stories to tell, particularly ancient ones rich in cultural heritage, intriguing histories, captivating architecture, and the lasting influences of evolving civilizations. Each city holds a narrative waiting to be uncovered. Here, you can check the list of oldest cities in the world.

List Of 10 Oldest Cities In The World

Damascus, Syria – 11,000 years old

Damascus, often referred to as the capital of Arab culture, is the world's oldest continuously inhabited city, witnessing the rise and fall of many great civilizations. Historical research and evidence indicate that Damascus was first inhabited in the second half of the 7th millennium B.C. Today, it remains a significant cultural hub of the Arab world.

Aleppo, Syria – 8,000 years old

Aleppo, the capital of the Aleppo Governorate, has been continuously inhabited for over 8,000 years. Archaeological evidence shows that human settlements in the area date back to 11,000 B.C. Located between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia, Aleppo's strategic location made it a vital trading hub in ancient times.

Byblos, Lebanon – 7,000 years old

Byblos, located approximately 42 kilometers north of Beirut, is the oldest and largest city in Lebanon's Mount Lebanon Governorate. It is believed to have been first inhabited by humans between 8800 and 7000 B.C., with continuous settlement dating back to 5000 B.C.

Argos, Greece – 7,000 years old

Argos, located in Argolis in the Peloponnese region of Greece, is one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with a history spanning over 7,000 years. The city is home to numerous ancient monuments, reflecting its rich historical significance.

Athens, Greece – 7,000 years old

Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, dominates the Attica region and has been inhabited since between the 11th and 7th millennium B.C. Renowned as the cradle of philosophy and the birthplace of Western civilization, Athens holds a pivotal place in ancient history.

Susa, Iran – 6,300 years old

Susa was an ancient city of the Proto-Elamite civilization and one of the most significant cities of the Ancient Near East, a region that corresponds to the modern Middle East. Its proximity to the Tigris River contributed to its prominence, making it one of the most important cities in the ancient world.

Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan – 6,000 years old

Erbil has been home to various civilizations over the millennia, including the Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, and Ottoman Turks. At the heart of the city lies the Erbil Citadel, also known as Hawler Castle, an ancient structure dating back to 2,000 B.C. The citadel, an artificial mound, serves as the historical center of Erbil. Today, the city is known for its blend of modern malls, ancient landmarks, and its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Sidon, Lebanon – 6,000 years old

Inhabited for at least 6,000 years, Sidon was one of the most significant Phoenician cities due to its strategic location as a vital port on the Mediterranean. It is the third-largest city in Lebanon and is situated in the South Governorate.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria – 6,000 years old

Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria, with a history that spans over six millennia, making it one of the oldest cities in Europe. Excavations indicate that the ancient town on Nebet Tepe Hill has been inhabited since 4000 B.C.

Varanasi, India – 5,000 years old

Varanasi is the oldest city in India and the birthplace of Hinduism, the oldest religion. Also known as Banaras or Kashi, this city is situated on the banks of the Ganges River in the Uttar Pradesh state of North India, with roots dating back to the 11th century B.C. Varanasi attracts Hindu pilgrims and tourists from around the globe.

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List Of 10 Oldest Cities In The World: