Greetings, fellow history buffs! Are you ready to travel back in time and explore the oldest cities in the world? From the mysterious ruins of ancient civilizations to the bustling metropolises of today, these cities have stood the test of time and continue to inspire wonder and fascination.
Join us as we embark on a thrilling journey through the ages, exploring the rich history and culture of these incredible cities. We’ll be ranking them based on their age, from the ancient settlements of Mesopotamia to the vibrant cities of the present day.
Get ready to uncover the secrets of the past and discover the stories behind some of the world’s most fascinating cities. So without further ado, let’s dive in and explore the ancient roots of human civilization together!
Viewcation Presents: The Oldest Cities in the World
Varanasi India – 5,000 Years
Varanasi, also known as Banaras or Kashi, is renowned for being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It’s ocated in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, and is situated on the banks of the sacred river Ganges and has been a center of pilgrimage and learning for thousands of years.
The history of Varanasi dates back to over 5000 years ago. The city is said to have been founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva, and is regarded as one of the seven holy cities in Hinduism. Throughout its long history, Varanasi has been a hub of spirituality, religion, and culture and has attracted scholars, philosophers, and religious leaders from all over the world.
Byblos, Lebanon – 5,000 Years
Byblos is an ancient city in Lebanon that has a complex and fascinating history that is well worth exploring. It is recognized for being another one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, dating back to about 5000 BCE. Byblos is believed to have been founded by a community of fishermen who settled on a rocky promontory near the coast.
Byblos became a prosperous seaport and a major center of trade and culture in the ancient Mediterranean region. Byblos was also very closely linked to Egypt, from whom it imported papyrus, hence its name which means “book” in Greek. Byblos was also associated with the Phoenicians, who developed their alphabet there based on earlier scripts.
Throughout the millennia, Byblos witnessed many invasions and transformations. It was ruled by Amorites, Hyksos, Egyptians, Assyrians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, French, and Lebanese. As such, Byblos has many impressive ruins that reflect its long and varied past.
Aleppo, Syria – 5,000 Years
Aleppo has a complex and often troubled history that dates back over 5000 years. Located in northern Syria, it has been a crossroads of trade and commerce between the Mediterranean and the East since ancient times.
Throughout its lengthy history, Aleppo has been ruled by a number of different empires and civilizations, including the Hittites, Assyrians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. It was an important center of the Silk Road trade route, and its markets were filled with goods from China, India, and the Mediterranean.
During the Islamic Golden Age, Aleppo became a center of scholarship and learning, with many famous scholars and scientists calling the city home. In the 12th century, Aleppo was conquered by the Crusaders, but was later retaken by the Muslims under the leadership of the famous general Saladin.
In the modern era, Aleppo has seen its share of conflict and turmoil. In recent years, the city has been devastated by the ongoing Syrian civil war and the recent cataclysmic earthquake, with many of its ancient buildings and monuments damaged or destroyed. Despite this, efforts are underway to preserve and restore the city’s rich cultural heritage, and many of its residents remain committed to rebuilding their beloved city.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria – 6000 Years
Plovdiv is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe, with a history that stretches back over 6,000 years. Located in southern Bulgaria, it has been a center of trade and commerce between the East and the West since ancient times.
In the 5th century BCE, Plovdiv was conquered by the Thracians, who established it as an important cultural and religious center. Later, it was conquered by the Greeks and the Romans, who made it the capital of their province of Thrace. During the Roman period, Plovdiv, known then as Philippopolis, became a center of trade and commerce, with its markets filled with goods from all over the empire.
In the medieval period, Plovdiv was conquered yet again by the Bulgarians and became an important center of the Bulgarian Empire. It was later ruled by the Byzantines and the Ottoman Turks, who left a lasting mark on the city’s culture and architecture.
During the 19th century, Plovdiv played a crucial role in the struggle for Bulgarian independence from the Ottoman Empire. It was here that the first Bulgarian parliament was held in 1879, and the city was later named the capital of the newly-independent Bulgarian state.
Today, Plovdiv is a vibrant cultural center, with a rich history that is reflected in its countless ancient monuments, museums, and galleries. It is also home to a thriving arts scene, with festivals, concerts, and exhibitions taking place throughout the year.
Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan – 6000 – 8000 Years
The city of Erbil has a history that dates back between 6,000 and 8,000 years. Located in Iraqi Kurdistan, much like most of the cities featured in this video, it has been a center of trade, culture, and religion since ancient times.
Throughout its long and storied history, Erbil has been ruled by many different civilizations and empires, including the Ottoman Turks, Mongols, Persians, Greeks, and Romans. During the Islamic Golden Age, it became an important center of scholarship and learning, with many of the ancient world’s most famous scholars and scientists calling the city home.
In the modern era, Erbil has played a vital role in the political and cultural life of Iraqi Kurdistan. As a thriving urban center, the city boasts modern malls, a variety of ancient sites, and has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Susa, Iran – 6000 to 7000 Years
Susa is an ancient city in Iran that has a long and intriguing history. As you might have guessed, it is one of the oldest human settlements on planet Earth, dating back to about 6000 to 7000 BCE. Susa was the capital of Elam, a powerful civilization that ruled over much of southwestern Iran for centuries. Elam was known for its art, architecture, and writing system.
Susa became part of the Achaemenian Empire in 539 BCE, when Cyrus the Great conquered it. It was then chosen as one of the administrative capitals by Darius I, who built a magnificent palace complex there. Susa was also a center of culture and religion, hosting temples dedicated to various gods and goddesses. Susa witnessed many historical events, such as the marriage of Alexander the Great and Stateira II, and the revolt of Babylon against Darius III.
Susa survived many invasions and destructions throughout its history. It was sacked by Assyrians, Babylonians, Macedonians, Parthians, Romans, Sassanians, Mongols, and Timurids. However, it always managed to recover and rebuild itself. Susa remained an important city until the 13th century CE, when it began to decline due to political instability and natural disasters. Today, Susa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that attracts many visitors who want to see its ancient ruins and artifacts.
Athens, Greece – 7000 Years
Athens is an ancient city in Greece that has a legendary and highly influential history. It is thought to have been continuously inhabited for about 7000 years.
Athens was the leading city of Ancient Greece in the first millennium BCE, and its cultural achievements during the 5th century BCE are said to have helped lay the very foundations of Western civilization.
Athens was a powerful city-state that developed a unique form of proto-democracy, where all male citizens had equal political rights. Athens was also a center of arts, philosophy, literature, and science, producing famous figures such as Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, Sophocles, Euripides, Pericles, and Phidias. Athens was involved in many wars and conflicts with other Greek states and foreign powers, such as Persia and Sparta.
Athens declined after being conquered by Macedonians, Romans, Byzantines, Crusaders, Ottomans, Venetians, and Turks. However, it always remained an important cultural and intellectual hub.
Athens became the capital of modern Greece in 1834 after gaining independence from Ottoman rule. Today, Athens is a vibrant metropolis that combines ancient heritage with modern lifestyle.
Faiyum, Egypt – 7,200 Years
Faiyum is a city and region in Egypt that was once a desert basin but became a fertile oasis thanks to a branch of the Nile River. Faiyum was known as Atef-Pehu, which translates to “Northern Sycamore”, by the ancient Egyptians, who established agricultural communities there since approximately 7.200 BCE. Faiyum was also a royal hunting ground and a cultural center with temples, pyramids, and mummies.
Faiyum was later renamed Crocodilopolis by the Greeks, who worshiped a sacred crocodile there. The Ptolemies refounded it as Arsinoe and developed irrigation projects that increased its productivity. Furthermore, Faiyum was famous for its wine, fruits, and linen.
In modern times, Faiyum is still an important agricultural region, with many historical and natural attractions.
Jericho, West Bank – Possibly 11,000 Years
Jericho is an ancient city in the West Bank that has a fascinating history, especially to religious communities. It is one of the earliest continuous settlements in the world, dating back to about 9000 BCE. Back then, Jericho was a popular camping ground for hunter-gatherers who were attracted by its copious springs and fertile land.
Jericho became a permanent settlement around 9600 BCE, when people started to build houses, walls, and towers. Jericho was a pioneer of the Neolithic Revolution, when early famers began to domesticate plants and animals. Jericho was also a center of trade and culture, connecting different regions and civilizations.
Jericho witnessed many wars and conquests throughout its history. It was destroyed and rebuilt several times by different powers, such as Egyptians, Canaanites, Israelites, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans, British, Jordanians, Israelis, and Palestinians. Jericho is also famous for its biblical associations with Joshua’s siege and Jesus’ miracles.
Damascus, Syria – 11,000+ Years
Damascus is one of, if not the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. According to research studies and archaeological evidence, it was first settled about 11 millennia ago.
Damascus later served as the capital city of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750. After the triumphant victory of the Abbasid dynasty, the seat of Islamic power was then moved to Baghdad. Damascus then became a provincial capital under various dynasties, such as the Fatimids, Seljuks, Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans. Damascus was also a major cultural and religious center, known for its mosques, churches, schools, and markets.
Damascus witnessed many historical events and changes throughout its long and frequently bloody history. It was most famously conquered by Alexander the Great in 333 BC, and then by Pompey in 64 BC, by Muslim Arabs in 635 AD, by Mongols in 1260 AD, by Timur in 1401 AD, and by Napoleon’s general Jean Baptiste Kléber in 1799 AD.
It also experienced several revolts and rebellions against foreign rule or internal oppression. For example, it rose up against French mandate in 1925-1927 and against Syrian Ba’ath regime in 1982.
This ancient city has been a part of modern Syria since declaring its independence from France in 1946. It has remained the capital and the largest city of Syria until today. It has faced many challenges and crises due to political instability, economic sanctions, civil war, and foreign intervention. But despite all these difficulties, Damascus still preserves its historical heritage and cultural diversity.
Well, that about wraps up this video. Now, it’s your turn to share your thoughts and feelings about the world’s oldest cities. Did you know that the middle east is home to some of the oldest and longest continually inhabited settlements on the planet and that many of these ancient cities have grown into bustling modern metropolises? Let us know in the comments.