Top 10 oldest cities in the world are:
1.Damascus, Syria
2.Jericho, Palestine
3.Aleppo, Syria
4.Byblos, Lebanon
5.Argos, Greece
6.Susa, Iran
7.Erbil, Iraq Kurdistan
8.Sidon, Lebanon
9.Plovdiv, Bulgaria
10.Athens, Greece
11.Gaziantep, TurkeyÂ
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1.Damascus, SyriaÂ
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Damascus is the oldest city in the world. It has a rich history dating back over 11,000 years, with evidence of settlement dating to the prehistoric era. Damascus has been a significant cultural, religious and commercial center throughout its long history, serving as the capital of various empires and civilizations.
Its strategic location on trade routes linking the Mediterranean with the Arabian Peninsula and beyond has contributed to its importance over millennia. Damascus boasts a wealth of historical and archaeological sites, including the Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world.
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2.Jericho, Palestine
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Jericho is located in the West Bank area of Palestine. It has a history that spans over 11,000 years, with archaeological evidence indicating continuous human settlement since ancient times. Jericho’s strategic location near freshwater springs and along ancient trade routes contributed to its early development and significance. The city is renowned for its archaeological sites, including the ancient mound of Tell es-Sultan, which contains evidence of Neolithic settlements dating back to around 10,000 BCE.
3.Aleppo, Syria
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Aleppo is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With a history that stretches back over 8,000 years, Aleppo has been a significant urban center since ancient times. Its strategic location on trade routes linking the Mediterranean with Mesopotamia and Persia contributed to its importance as a commercial hub and cultural crossroads.
Throughout its long history, Aleppo has been ruled by various civilizations, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs and Ottomans, among others. The city’s rich architectural heritage includes landmarks such as the Citadel of Aleppo, the Great Mosque of Aleppo and the historic covered souks.
4.Byblos, Lebanon
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Byblos, also known as Jbeil in Lebanon, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history dates back over 7,000 years, with evidence of settlement from the Neolithic period. Byblos was a significant center of trade and culture in ancient times, serving as a major port for the export of cedar wood, papyrus and other goods from the Levant to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia.
The city’s name is believed to be the origin of the Greek word “biblion,” meaning book, as it was an important center for the production of papyrus scrolls. Byblos is home to well preserved archaeological sites, including the ruins of ancient temples, city walls and the Phoenician royal necropolis. Today, Byblos is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination, known for its rich history, picturesque harbor and vibrant cultural scene.
5.Argos, Greece
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Argos, located in the northeastern part of the Peloponnese region of Greece, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history dates back over 7,000 years, with evidence of settlement from the Neolithic period. In Greek mythology, Argos was founded by the mythological figure Inachus and is often referred to as “the oldest continuously inhabited city in Europe.”
Throughout its long history, Argos has been a significant center of ancient Greek civilization and played a prominent role in various historical events.Â
Argos is home to several archaeological sites, including the ancient theater, the Larisa fortress and the Heraion of Argos, a sanctuary dedicated to the goddess Hera. Today, Argos is a modern city with a rich cultural heritage, attracting visitors interested in exploring its ancient past.
6.Susa, IranÂ
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Susa, also known as Shush, located in present day Iran, is one of the oldest cities in the world. Its history dates back over 6,000 years, with evidence of settlement from the Chalcolithic period. Susa was an important city in ancient Mesopotamia and served as the capital of the Elamite Empire. It was strategically located near the confluence of the Karun River and the Shavur River, making it a key center for trade, commerce and cultural exchange.
Susa was conquered and ruled by various civilizations, including the Sumerians, Akkadians, Babylonians, Assyrians and Persians, among others. The city is home to several archaeological sites, including the Apadana Palace, the Tomb of Daniel and the impressive ruins of the Acropolis mound.
7.Erbil, IraqÂ
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Erbil, also known as Hawler in Kurdish, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Located in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, Erbil has a history that dates back over 6,000 years.Â
Erbil has been a significant cultural and commercial center throughout its long history. It was an important city during the ancient Assyrian and Akkadian civilizations and served as the capital of the Kurdish emirate during the Middle Ages. The city’s strategic location on trade routes connecting Mesopotamia with Anatolia and Persia contributed to its importance as a trading hub.
One of the most prominent landmarks in Erbil is the ancient Citadel. The Citadel has been inhabited for thousands of years and contains archaeological remains from various periods of history.
Today, Erbil is the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and a vibrant city with a rich cultural heritage. It is home to a diverse population and is known for its historical sites, markets and festivals. Despite its ancient origins, Erbil continues to thrive as a modern urban center in the region.
8.Sidon, Lebanon
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Sidon, also known as Saida, stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. With a history spanning over 6,000 years, Sidon is deeply rooted in the ancient Phoenician civilization. Renowned for its maritime prowess and strategic coastal location, Sidon thrived as a vital hub of trade and commerce in the Mediterranean region.
The city’s prosperity was fueled by its production of prized purple dye extracted from murex sea snails, as well as its skilled sailors, traders and artisans. Throughout the ages, Sidon witnessed the rise and fall of various empires and civilizations, including the Phoenicians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks and Romans.
Today, Sidon continues to bear witness to its rich history through its archaeological sites, including the Sidon Sea Castle, the Temple of Eshmun and the Old Souk, making it a captivating destination for historians, archaeologists and travelers seeking to delve into the ancient world.
9.Plovdiv, Bulgaria
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Plovdiv, located in present day Bulgaria, one of the oldest cities in the world. With a history dating back over 6,000 years, Plovdiv is among Europe’s oldest cities and has witnessed the rise and fall of various civilizations throughout the ages. The city’s strategic location on the crossroads between Europe and Asia contributed to its importance as a cultural and commercial center.
Plovdiv was known in ancient times as Philippopolis and played a significant role during the Roman Empire, Byzantine Empire and Ottoman Empire. Today, Plovdiv is Bulgaria’s second largest city and is celebrated for its well preserved historical landmarks, including the Roman amphitheater, the Ancient Theater of Philippopolis and the charming Old Town with its cobblestone streets and colorful Renaissance era buildings.
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10.Athens,Greece
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Athens is one of the oldest cities in the world and is widely considered the cradle of Western civilization. Its history dates back over 5,000 years, with evidence of settlement on the Acropolis hill as early as the Neolithic period. Athens flourished as a city state during the classical period of ancient Greece and became a center of art, philosophy and democracy.
It is famous for its contributions to literature, philosophy, mathematics and the arts, with renowned figures such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle and Sophocles calling Athens home. The city is also known for its architectural marvels, including the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Temple of Olympian Zeus.
Today, Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, blending its ancient heritage with a modern urban landscape.Â
11.Gaziantep, Turkey
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With a history that spans over 5,000 years, Gaziantep has been inhabited by various civilizations throughout its long history. The city’s strategic location along ancient trade routes linking Anatolia with Mesopotamia and the Levant contributed to its importance as a commercial and cultural center.
Gaziantep was known in ancient times as Antep and has been ruled by civilizations such as the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks and Romans, among others. Today, Gaziantep is a modern city with a rich cultural heritage, known for its well preserved historical sites, museums and culinary traditions. Its ancient roots and vibrant present make Gaziantep a fascinating destination for visitors interested in exploring the history and culture of the region.