Many cities around the world have some amazing history to tell. The ancient cities have a lot much to tell us about history. People are also excited to visit old cities. Cities with more than a thousand years have much information to tell the travelers than just beautiful architecture and unique artifacts. Here we have a list of such oldest cities around the world where still inhabitation is found.
1. Jericho, West Bank – 11,000 Years Old
Jericho is one of the oldest cities in the world still; there is inhabitation, and archaeologists found the possibilities of habitation dating back to 9000 BC. It is situated in the Jordan Valley and surrounded by the Jordon River to the east and Jerusalem to the west. Archaeological found traces of settlements of ages around 11000 years old. Having an altitude of around -258m, Jericho is also the lowest city in the world. 25000 inhabitants are there in the city currently.
2. Damascus, Syria – 11000 Years Old
From the various research studies and historical evidence Damascus is found as the oldest city in the world and was also named as the capital of the Arab culture in 2008. It was an important city at that time, and probably there would be inhabitation from 8000 to 10000 BC. Many kings and conquerors had been set Damascus as their target, and for Arameans, it was an important settlement. Later, Alexander the Great had conquered Damascus city. It has become a popular tourist destination for its historical sites. In 1979, the city was added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage list.
3. Aleppo, Syria – 8000 Years Old
It is situated between the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia. After the capital city Damascus, Aleppo is the second-largest city now in Syria, with a population of 4.6 million, as estimated in 2010. Archaeologists remain untouched in the city as the modern city occupies the ancient site. Before it was passing to the hands of Assyrian, Greek, and Persian, it was under the control of Hittite until around 800 BC, an ancient group of Indo-Europeans who moved into Asian Minor and formed an empire at Hattusa in Anatolia. Then, the Romans, Byzantines, and Arabs occupied it before the Mongols, and the Ottomans took it over.
4. Byblos, Lebanon – 7000 Years Old
Before it was named Byblos by the Greeks, it was founded as Gebal by the Phoenicians. The papyrus was imported from the city by the Greeks, and it was continued for centuries. The word Bible is also derived from the word Byblos. Ancient Phoenician temples, Byblos Castle, and the Church of St. John Mark were the city’s main sights, and medieval old town walls were built by the Crusaders in the 12th century. It is situated 40 kilometers from Beirut. The beaches, mountains, and ancient ruins in the city attract tourists around the world.
5. Athens, Greece – 7000 Years Old
The inhabitation in Athens has existed for more than 7000 years. The imprints of the Ottoman, Byzantine, and Roman civilizations were found in the city. Prominent philosophers, writers, playwrights, and artists were lived in the city.
