The 10 oldest cities in the world

[New Sancai compilation first release] Athens Acropolis is one of the oldest cities in the world, as shown above, is also one of the most famous cities, what other cities are as ancient as it?

△ Syria. Damascus, Syria: Damascus is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, founded in 3,000 BC, and archaeologists have confirmed through excavation sites that the area was first inhabited between 8,000 and 10,000 BC . Located in today’s Syria, the city is a unique place because of the many cultures that made it what it is today, including elements of Roman and Greek urban planning. Islam also had a great influence, which is evident in the Umayyad Mosque. It is also known as the Great Mosque and is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, built between 705 and 715 AD.

△ Greece. Athens, Greece: Athens is the capital and largest city of Greece, and of course one of the oldest cities in the world, and has been inhabited since 5,000 BC, or about 7,000 years ago. Athens was once a powerful city-state and the birthplace of democracy, and history buffs will enjoy strolling through this city full of historical treasures, as it represents empires such as Rome, Byzantium, and the Ottomans. Despite the fact that Greece has been battered by the recession in recent years, it remains a popular destination for tourists looking to experience Athens’ incredible history, art, food and people.

△ Lebanon. Sidon, Lebanon: Sidon, Lebanon, is another historic city. The area was inhabited approximately 4,000 BC or 6,000 BC. It is also widely believed that historical figures such as Jesus, St. Paul and Alexander the Great visited this place (the latter also occupied the city). The Phoenician city is located south of Beirut, now one of the largest cities in Lebanon and home to the busy port of Sayhad. Much of Sidon’s history is buried under modern architecture, making it difficult for archaeologists to excavate; however, there are many sites worth exploring, including Sidon Sea Castle.

△ Iran. Rayy (Iran): Rayy is part of the city of Greater Tehran in Iran, also known as Rey or Ray, and one of the oldest cities in the world, with evidence that residents date back to 6,000 BC . The city has a long history and is mentioned as a holy site in the Avesta, an ancient scripture of Zoroastrianism. The Arabs occupied the city in 641 AD, and in 1220 the Mongols almost destroyed it. The surviving historical monuments include: the 12th-century Tughrul Tower, the 5,000-year-old Cheshmeh Ali Hill, “a mountain with springs”, and an excavation that discovered 7,000-year-old artifacts ground. Pictured above is the Bahram fire temple in Rey.

△ Israel. Jerusalem (Jerusalem, Israel): Jerusalem is an important religious center of Judaism, Christianity and Islam with a long history. The earliest inhabitants date back to 2,800 BC, and with such a long history, it’s safe to say that the city has been through much, including numerous sieges, attacks, and occupations. Jerusalem has many attractions, including the Western Wall, the retaining wall of Temple Mount, the most sacred Jewish temple, and the Old City built by King David in 1004 BC. and Mount of Olives.

△ Egypt. Faiyum (Egypt): Fayum is the oldest city in Egypt and one of the oldest cities in Africa, founded around 4,000 BC. Fayum is located about 62 miles southwest of Cairo, partly in the former jurisdiction of the ancient city of Crocodilopolis, where the inhabitants worship a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos, which has its own temple pond. Today, there are mounds marking the site of the “City of Crocodiles.” In addition, there are bazaars, markets, mosques and bathhouses in Fayum.

△ Lebanon. Byblos, Lebanon: Byblos, a city located in present-day Lebanon, originally known as Gebal, is one of the oldest cities in Phoenician, built around 5,000 BC . Located on the Mediterranean coast, about 25 miles north of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, Byblos is the name given to the city by the Greeks and where the Phoenician alphabet spreads. Today, there are many attractions that will attract the interest of history buffs, including the 12th-century Crusader Castle and the Phoenician Royal Necropolis located near the castle.

△ Palestine. Jericho (Palestine): Jericho, located in Palestine, is a small city with a population of 20,000 and is considered the oldest city in the world. In fact, some of the earliest archaeological evidence in the area dates back 11,000 years. The city of Jericho, which has been destroyed and rebuilt several times, still stands today, offering visitors a variety of historical and religious sites such as Mount of Temptation (the place where Jesus was tempted by the devil) and Nabi Musa ; where the tomb of Moses is located) etc.

△ Bulgaria. Plovdiv (Bulgaria): Plovdiv is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe and the second largest city in Bulgaria. Plovdiv has been inhabited since 4,000 BC and has been conquered by many people throughout its history, including the Greeks and Romans, from Neolithic settlements, which is evident in ancient sites throughout the city. Some highlights include: the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis (formerly known as Plovdiv); the Roman Amphitheatre, which still hosts major events to this day, and the Ruins of Eumolpias , which was a Thracian settlement in 5,000 BC.

△ Türkiye. Gaziantep (Turkey): Gaziantep is located in southern Turkey near the Syrian border. The earliest residents settled here in 3,650 BC. The city, also known as Antep, offers visitors many historical sites to explore, such as the ruins of Rumkale, and two castles of Gazi restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda citadel. Other highlights include the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest mosaic museum in the world. In addition, the city is also known for its pistachio nut honey cake and boasts more than 150 pastry shops.

(Author: Marcelina Morfin)

(Compiled by Bai Ding)

(Editor in charge: Jiang Qiming)

(Article source: New Sancai compiled first release)