10 of the World’s Oldest Cities
Brief Overview
The ancient civilizations of the past paved the way for the modern world in which we now reside. The world is littered with monuments honouring the achievements of our forefathers, from the pyramids of Egypt to the Great Wall of China. But, our history is not only comprised of these landmarks. Ancient cities that have been continuously occupied for thousands of years are still around to be explored by modern day visitors, and they offer fascinating insights into life in past eras. Learn about 10 of the world’s oldest cities that are still standing today.
Jericho, Palestine
On the West Bank, you’ll find Jericho, which has been inhabited continuously since at least 8,000 BC, making it one of the world’s oldest cities. It was an important city in the Bible, and its walls may be the oldest in the world.
- Jericho is known for its ancient walls, which are believed to be the oldest in the world.
Varanasi, India
Varanasi, also known as Kashi or Banaras, is one of the oldest living cities in the world, with a history that dates back more than 3,000 years. It is considered to be one of the most sacred cities in India, and it is famous for its ghats (steps leading down to the river), which are used for bathing and religious ceremonies.
- Varanasi is considered to be one of the most sacred cities in India, and it is famous for its ghats.
Athens, Greece
The Greek capital city of Athens has a long and storied past and is home to a plethora of fascinating museums and monuments. Acropolis, Parthenon, and Temple of Olympian Zeus are just a few of the world-famous attractions in this, one of ancient Greece’s most prominent towns.
- Athens is known for its famous landmarks, such as the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv, located in central Bulgaria, is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a history that dates back more than 6,000 years. It is known for its well-preserved Roman ruins, as well as its beautiful Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Plovdiv is home to many well-preserved Roman ruins and a beautiful Old Town.
Byblos, Lebanon
More than seven thousand years of continuous human habitation have occurred in the coastal city of Byblos, Lebanon. Its well-preserved ruins attest to its status as one of the most significant ports in antiquity.
- Byblos has an ancient port that was one of the most important in the ancient world.
Cholula, Mexico
The Great Pyramid of Cholula is one of the largest pyramids in the world, and it can be found in the Mexican city of Cholula. The intricate system of tunnels and underground chambers surrounding it suggests that it was constructed as early as the third century BC.
The picture below shows a church on top of the pyramid.
- Cholula is home to one of the largest pyramids in the world
Luxor, Egypt
Luxor was the capital of ancient Egypt during the New Kingdom period, and it was home to many of the country’s most important temples and tombs. It was also the site of the famous Battle of Kadesh between the Egyptians and the Hittites.
The most famous attraction in Luxor is the Karnak Temple Complex, which covers over 200 acres and includes temples, chapels, and statues dating back to 2000 BCE. Visitors can also explore the Valley of the Kings, where many pharaohs were buried, and the Luxor Temple, which dates back to the 14th century BCE.
Our guide for best things to do in Luxor is here
Also take a look at our guides to Egypt here
- Luxor was once the capital city of ancient Egypt and is home to many well-preserved ruins.
Susa, Iran
Susa, located in southwestern Iran, has a rich history that dates back to 4,200 BC. It was an important city in ancient Persia and was known for its beautiful palace complex, which was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 330 BC.
- Susa was an important city in ancient Persia and was known for its beautiful palace complex.
Xi'an, China
Central China’s Xi’an was originally the country’s capital and is famous for its 14th-century city walls. It is the site where the first Chinese emperor was buried beside thousands of life-size terracotta figures of troops and horses.
- Xi’an was once the capital of China and is known for its ancient city walls and the Terracotta Army.
FAQ’s:
Q. Which city is the oldest in the world? A. It is difficult to determine which city is the oldest in the world, as many ancient cities have been destroyed or abandoned over time. However, Jericho, located in Palestine, is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, dating back to 8,000 BC.
Q. What is the significance of these cities in history? A. These cities played a significant role in the development of human civilization, and they provide a glimpse into the daily lives of people from another time. They are important cultural heritage sites and bear witness to the greatness of our ancestors.
Q. What unique features do these cities have? A. Each of these cities has its own unique features, such as ancient walls, well-preserved Roman ruins, beautiful architecture, and significant landmarks. They also have a rich cultural heritage that is still evident today.
Q. Is London the oldest city in the world? A. No, London is not the oldest city in the world. It was founded by the Romans in AD 43, making it just over 2,000 years old.
Q. What is the oldest city in England? A. The oldest city in England is believed to be Colchester, which was founded by the Romans in 43 AD.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, learning about the history of human civilisation through these top 10 oldest cities is an excellent way to get insight into the past. They’re one-of-a-kind, and they’ve survived the ages, keeping their traditions alive for others to learn from. Cities all have their own special attractions and historical significance that make them all worthwhile destinations for tourists.
Save this post (pin it)
Other Inspirational Travel Guides
Be sure to check out our other exciting guides related to inspirational travel:
Note: This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you.
