Ancient cities of our land. The oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world

Cities are like people: they are born, live and die. But they can be thousands of years old. But, like people, not everyone achieves success. Some cities that were previously large settlements degenerate into tiny villages, others become completely deserted. But sometimes they are lucky, and for thousands of years they remain real active cities. And the most ancient cities have been inhabited not even for hundreds, but for thousands of years.

Surely you have heard about the city of Jericho, its walls and pipes that destroyed them. About the war of Joshua with this city, during which he massacred all the inhabitants, except for one family. In the Bible, this settlement is mentioned many times in general, it is not surprising that many consider this city to be exceptionally legendary.

But it really exists, and it is the oldest city in the world. It became a large settlement around the third millennium BC, that is, for more than 50,000 years people have been constantly living in it. It was a periodic stop even longer, from about the ninth millennium BC, that is, another 6000 years. Today it is the capital of one of the provinces in the Palestinian territory.

During this time, the city has seen everything: the emergence and collapse of civilizations, the emergence of new religions and the death of old ones, new inventions and breakthroughs ... If stones could talk, then Jericho would become a better history teacher. But, alas, they are silent ...

If Damascus is younger than Jericho, then not much - only 500 years. The first mention of it as a city dates back to the 2500s BC. But as a settlement, it appeared much earlier - 10-11 thousand years ago. Today it has become the capital of Syria, despite being the second largest. But this does not prevent him from being the cultural capital of the Promised Land. In addition, it is considered one of the objects of cultural heritage and is listed by UNESCO as being in danger of destruction.

Closes the top three most ancient cities in the world Bibl. Despite the fact that the city still lives and lives on the same place, it has a different name - Jbeil. However, Byblos (or Byblos) he was always called by foreigners. Through this major port, they exported many goods, including papyrus. Therefore, its Greek name, like the word "book" itself, came from this particular settlement.

This settlement appeared about four thousand years ago.

Today, this Lebanese city belongs to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, because it is practically a monument of history and architecture.

Susa

This Iranian city is rightfully considered one of the oldest on earth, it appeared about 7 thousand years ago, becoming a place of permanent settlement for a fairly large number of people. He remains to this day. Susa saw dozens of civilizations, more than once was the capital of states. Now it is a relatively small settlement, in which about 60-70 thousand people live, mainly Persian Jews and Shiite Arabs.

Derbent is the most ancient city in Russia. This historical monument is located in Dagestan. Its name is translated as "closed gates", which is not accidental - it has become a kind of Caspian gate (it is located on a narrow passage between the mountains of the Caucasus and the Caspian Sea). It is not surprising that an active city has grown and constantly existed on this site. According to official versions, it appeared about six thousand years ago, in the Bronze Age.

saithe

Lebanon is generally lucky with ancient cities, and Saida is one of them. As historical studies show, it appeared as a city about 4000 thousand years BC. But archaeologists say that people periodically appeared on its territory long before that, already in the tenth millennium BC. In the Bible, he was called "the firstborn of Canaan", alluding to his antiquity. Historians, however, argue that it was from this city that the culture of Phoenicia grew - one of the largest civilizations of the ancient world.

Faiyum

The Egyptian civilization is considered one of the oldest, but the city related to it appeared on our list just now. On the other hand, it is difficult to talk about the age of such cities, because there are no exact datings, there are only approximate data. So the foundation of the Faiyum is attributed to the same fourth millennium BC as Saidu, and it is quite difficult to say which of them is older. It is located in the Egyptian region under the funny name Crocodilopolis, which appeared because of the cult of the god with a crocodile head - Petsuhos.

Bulgaria boasts more than one ancient city, but Plovdiv is one of them. It is a kind of contemporary of the already mentioned Faiyum and Saida, the fourth millennium BC turned out to be quite productive. Now it has become the second largest settlement in Bulgaria and a major cultural center. History and architecture are especially flourishing in it, which is not surprising, given the number of picturesque ruins and ancient buildings.

We hope that after reading this article, you have a better idea of ​​which city in the world appeared first. At the same time, it is worth noting that today we talked about those settlements that remain active from the moment they appeared to the present day. After all, a city remains a city as long as people live in it, without them it becomes ruins.

The list of the oldest cities in the world includes settlements in which people have constantly lived from ancient times to the present day. It is rather difficult to determine which of them appeared earlier, since it is customary in scientific circles to distinguish between the concepts of "urban-type settlement" and "city".

For example, Byblos was already inhabited in the 17th century. BC e., but received the status of a city only in the III century. BC e. For this reason, there is no single point of view on the question of whether it can be considered the oldest in the world. In the same ambiguous position are Jericho and Damascus.

In addition to the top three, there are other ancient cities in the world. They are located in all corners of the world.

The most ancient cities of East Asia

The most ancient cities of East Asia, Beijing and Xi'an, are located in China. This country rightfully belongs to the most ancient civilizations in the world. There are practically no dark spots in its history, as it is recorded in written sources, so it is relatively easy to establish the dates of the founding of settlements.

Beijing

Beijing is the capital and largest political, educational and cultural center of the People's Republic of China. Its original name is literally translated into Russian as "Northern Capital". This phrase corresponds to the status of the city and its location today.

The first cities in the area of ​​modern Beijing appeared in the 1st century BC. BC e. First, the capital of the kingdom of Yan - Ji (473-221 BC) was located there, then the Liao empire established its southern capital - Nanjing (938) on this site. In 1125, the city passed into the administration of the Jurchen Empire Jin and was named Zhongdu.

In the XIII century, after the Mongols burned the settlement, and it was rebuilt, the city received two names at once: "Dadu" and "Khanbalik". The first is in Chinese, the second is in Mongolian. It is the second option that is reflected in the notes of Marco Polo, which remained after his trip to China.

Beijing received its modern name only in 1421. Historians believe that in the period from the 4th to the beginning of the 19th century. it was one of the largest cities in the world. During this time, it was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, deprived of the status of the capital, and then returned to it. Empires also changed, under whose possession the old settlement fell, but people continued to live there.

At present, the population of Beijing is almost 22 million people. 95% of them are native Chinese, the remaining 5% are Mongols, Chuer, Hui. This number includes only people who have a residence permit in the city, but there are also those who came to work. The official language here is Chinese.

The city is considered a cultural and educational center. There are many architectural monuments, museums, parks and gardens. There are more than 50 higher educational institutions, within the walls of which Russian citizens also receive education. Nightlife lovers will also not be bored - in the capital of China there are several areas with popular night bars.

Top attractions in Beijing:

Interesting facts about the capital of China:

• The government spent $44 billion to prepare for the 2008 Olympic Games. To date, this is the world's largest expenditure on a sporting event.
• There are 980 buildings on the territory of the Forbidden City, according to researchers, all of them are divided into 9999 rooms.
• The Beijing subway is considered the 2nd longest in the world.

The northern capital of China does not claim to be the most ancient city in the world, but the history of its formation is still of interest to scientists.

Xi'an

Xi'an is a city in the People's Republic of China located in Shaanxi Province. He is over 3 thousand years old. For some time it was considered one of the largest in the world in terms of area and number of inhabitants.

In the II century. BC e. The Great Silk Road ran through the city. At that time, it was called "Chang'an", which translates as "long peace."

Like Beijing, the city was destroyed several times during wartime, and then rebuilt again. The name has also changed several times. The modern version took hold in 1370.

According to 2006 data, more than 7 million people live in Xi'an. By government decree in 1990, the city was transformed into a cultural, educational and industrial center. Here is the largest aircraft manufacturing center.

Attractions in Xi'an:

Interesting facts about the capital of Shaanxi Province:

• Xi'an remained the capital of China during 13 consecutive imperial dynasties. This is the longest time.
• Here is the city wall, which is more than 3 thousand years old. For such a period, it is quite well preserved.
• During the reign of the Tang Dynasty (7th-9th centuries), the city was the most populated in the world.

Xi'an has long ceased to be the actual capital of the PRC, but thanks to its rich history spanning several centuries, it continues to be the main cultural center.

The oldest cities in the Middle East

There are three ancient cities in the Middle East at once: Balkh, Luxor and El Fayoum. The researchers came to the conclusion that all of them were founded no earlier than the 1st century BC. BC e. They are of interest both from a historical and cultural point of view.

Balkh

Balkh is a city located in the province of the same name in Pakistan. It is believed that it was founded in 1500 BC. e. during the resettlement of Indo-Iranians from the Amu Darya region.

During the heyday of the Silk Road, its population reached 1 million, now this figure has significantly decreased. According to 2006 data, only 77 thousand people live in the city.

Until the beginning of the Hellenistic era, the city was considered the largest spiritual center. According to legend, it was there that Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism, one of the oldest religious teachings in the world, was born.

In 1933, Balkh became one of the 3 Afghan cities where Jews were allowed to live. It was forbidden to leave the settlement without urgent need. A kind of Jewish ghetto was formed here because the representatives of this people preferred to settle separately from the rest. As of 2000, the Jewish community in the city has disintegrated.

Attractions:

• Tomb of Khoja Parsa;
• Madrassah of Said Subkhankulikhan;
• Grave of Robiai Balkhi;
• Masjidi Nuh Gumbad.

Interesting facts about the city:

• In 1220, Balkh was destroyed by Genghis Khan and lay in ruins for almost a century and a half.
• The first Jewish community in the city was founded in 568 BC. e., there, as the legend says, the Jews expelled from Jerusalem settled.
• The main local attraction, the Green Mosque or the Tomb of Khoja Parsa, was built in the 15th century.

Currently, this settlement is considered a major center of the textile industry.

Luxor

Luxor is a city located in Upper Egypt. Part of it lies on the east bank of the Nile. It was known as "Uaset" in the ancient world. It occupies a place where, according to historical data, the capital of Ancient Egypt, Thebes, was located. Five centuries have passed since its foundation. It is considered the largest open-air museum, therefore it is currently a tourist center.

Luxor is conditionally divided into two districts - the "City of the Living" and the "City of the Dead". Most of the people live in the first region, in the second, due to the huge number of historical monuments, there are practically no settlements.

According to 2012 data, the population of Luxor is 506 thousand people. Almost all of them are Arabs by nationality.

Attractions:

Interesting Facts:

• in 1997, members of the Islamist group Al-Gamaa-Al-Islamiya staged the so-called Luxor massacre in the city, during which 62 tourists died;
• in summer the temperature reaches + 50 °C in the shade;
• at one time the city was called "the hundred gates of Thebes".

Now Luxor receives the main income from tourists.

El Fayoum

El Faiyum is a city in Middle Egypt. Located in the oasis of the same name. Around it lies the Libyan desert. Scientists have come to the conclusion that the city was founded more in the 4th century. BC e. Its modern name comes from the Coptic language and means "lake" in translation.

The city was the administrative center in ancient Egypt. At that time, he bore the name Shedet, which literally translates as "sea." The settlement got its name due to the fact that on its territory there was an artificial lake Merida, in the waters of which crocodiles were bred to honor the Egyptian god Sebek.

In historical documents, the city is also found under the name Crocodilopolis.

At present, the population of El Faiyum is about 13 thousand people. The city is an agricultural center. Olives, grapes, sugarcane, dates, rice, corn are grown on its fields. Also here are engaged in the production of rose oil.

The city's attractions:

Interesting El Fayoum Facts:

• the national symbol of the province in which the city is located - 4 water wheels;
• the Catholic Church currently believes that it has no power over the city, although it was once a religious center;
• Merida Lake was dug almost 4 centuries ago.

It was in El Faiyum that funeral portraits dated to the 1st-3rd centuries were first found. In honor of the city, they received the name "Fayum".

The most ancient cities in Europe

The oldest city in the world, if we consider its European part, is Athens. Its name is known to every person. But there are other ancient settlements in Europe, for example, Mantua and Plovdiv, which are far from being so famous.

Athens

Athens is one of the most famous and oldest cities in Greece, the capital of the state. It was founded around the 7th century. BC e. The first written monuments that were discovered there date back to 1600 BC. e., but it is known for certain that people lived in Athens long before that time.

The name of the settlement was in honor of its patroness - the goddess of war and wisdom Athena. In the 5th century BC e. it became a city-state. It was there that the model of a democratic society first appeared, which is still considered ideal.

In Athens, such famous philosophers and writers as Sophocles, Aristotle, Socrates, Euripides, Plato were born. The ideas highlighted in their works are relevant to this day.

As of 2011, the population in Athens reached 3 million people, which is about a third of the total population of Greece.

The city center, where the Athenian Acropolis was once located, is now a favorite tourist destination. Most of the ancient buildings were wiped off the face of the earth by time and wars, and modern multi-storey buildings were built in their place. One of the largest European higher educational institutions, the Athens Polytechnic University, is located here.

Attractions:

Interesting Facts:

• the most popular sports in Athens are basketball and football;
• in Greek the city is called "Athena", not "Athens";
• the settlement is considered the birthplace of the theater.

Now in the capital of Greece there are many museums where you can get acquainted with the unique monuments of fine art dating back to the 2nd-3rd centuries. BC e.

Mantova

Mantua is an Italian city founded in the 6th century. BC e. It is surrounded on three sides by the waters of the Mincio River, which is rather unusual, as builders usually try to avoid swampy areas.

For a long time, Mantua was considered the city of art. It was here that the famous artist Rubens began his career - the author of the paintings "The Entombment", "Hercules and Omphala", "Exaltation of the Cross". In the XVII-XVIII centuries. From the haven of cultural figures, the city was re-qualified into an impregnable bastion.

The population of Mantua, according to 2004 data, amounted to 48 thousand people. Currently, the city is a tourist center, as it has preserved many architectural monuments from different centuries.

Attractions:

Interesting Facts:

• in one of the suburbs of Mantua, Virgil was born - the creator of the Aeneid, one of the most famous ancient Roman poets;
• in 1739 Charles de Brosse, a French historian, wrote that the city could only be approached from one side, as it was surrounded by swamps;
• The historic center of Mantua is a World Heritage Site.

The patron saint of the city is Saint Anselm, who was not officially canonized. His memorial day falls on March 18. At the same time, residents celebrate City Day.

Plovdiv

The oldest city in the world, located on the territory of modern Europe, according to historian Dennis Rodwell, is Plovdiv. Now it is considered the second largest in Bulgaria. Once the city bore the names "Filippopolis" and "Filibe". The first settlements on its territory appeared in the VI century. BC e., during the Neolithic period.

At the beginning of World War II, the city took a central place in organizing support for the union of the USSR and Bulgaria. In 1941, the city was occupied by the Germans, as Bulgaria entered into an alliance with Germany. However, the resistance of the inhabitants was not completely suppressed. A reconnaissance group was operating in the city, in February 1943 it was defeated.

Currently, Plovdiv is the second most populated city in Bulgaria. 367 thousand people live in it. The city has a developed industry: agricultural, food and flavoring, clothing, non-ferrous metallurgy. It also houses the only factory in the country that produces cigarette filters and paper.

Attractions:

Interesting facts:

• in Plovdiv there is a whole street with workshops that belong to hereditary artisans;
• annually the International Plovdiv Fair is held here, which is popular throughout Europe;
• Bulgarian astronomer, Violetta Ivanova, discovered an asteroid, which she named after the city.

Every year Plovdiv hosts an international boxing championship.

The oldest cities in the Middle East

In the Middle East, there are two settlements at once that claim to be the oldest city in the world - Byblos and Jericho.

bible

Byblos is an ancient Phoenician city, which is located on the territory of modern Lebanon, not far from the Mediterranean Sea. It is currently called "Jbeil".

Historical finds indicate that Byblos was already inhabited in the 7th century. BC e., during the Neolithic period. But the city was recognized only after 4 centuries. And the ancient era was considered the oldest settlement, but now its status is controversial.

The oldest city in the world, according to some scientists, Byblos is located on a well-protected hill, around which there is a lot of fertile soil, so this place was inhabited in the Neolithic era. But, for some unknown reason, by the arrival of the Phoenicians in the 4th century. BC e. there were no more inhabitants left, so the new arrivals did not have to fight for territory.

In the ancient world, the specialty of the city was the trade in papyrus. From its name came the words "byblos" (translated as "papyrus") and "bible" (translated as "book").

Currently, only 3 thousand people live in Byblos. Most of them adhere to Catholic and Muslim religious views. The city is one of the main tourist centers of Lebanon.

Attractions:

Interesting Facts:

• the biblical alphabet has not yet been deciphered, since there are too few inscriptions on it, and there are no analogues in the world;
• the Egyptian language was official in the city for a long time;
• Egyptian myths say that it was in Byblos that the goddess Isis found the body of Osiris in a wooden box.

The city is located 32 km. from the current capital of Lebanon - Beirut.

Jericho

The oldest city in the world, according to most scientists, is Jericho. The first traces of habitation that were found there date back to the 9th century. BC e. The oldest city fortifications that have been discovered were built at the end of the 7th century. BC e.

Jericho is located on the territory of modern Palestine, in the region of the western bank of the Jordan River. It is repeatedly mentioned in the Bible, not only under its original name, but also as the "city of palm trees."

In the middle of the XIX century. on a hill near the Jordan River, excavations began, the purpose of which was to search for the ancient remains of Jericho. The first attempts did not give any results. But at the beginning of the 20th century, the hill was completely excavated.

It turned out that layers of architectural structures belonging to 7 different time periods lay in its depths. After repeated destruction, the city gradually moved to the south, which is why this phenomenon arose. The population of modern Jericho is only 20 thousand inhabitants.

The city, which is considered the oldest in the world, has been closed to the public since 2000, after armed uprisings in Palestine. In exceptional cases, the heads of the Israeli army gives tourists the go-ahead to visit.

Attractions:

• ruins of ancient Jericho;
• Forty Day Mountain;
• tree of Zacchaeus.

Interesting Facts:

• in Hebrew, the name of the city sounds like "Yeriho", and in Arabic - "Eriha";
• this is one of the oldest settlements in which people lived continuously;
• Jericho is mentioned not only in the Bible, but also in the works of Flavius, Ptolemy, Strabo, Pliny - they are all ancient Roman writers and scientists.

Supporters of the separation of the concepts of "city" and "urban settlement" believe that only Damascus, the capital of modern Syria, can compete with Jericho in age.

What is the oldest city in Russia?

Until 2014, Derbent, located in the southern part of the Republic of Dagestan, was considered the most ancient city in Russia. The first mention of a settlement on its territory dates back to the 6th century. BC e. The city itself was founded in the 5th century. n. e.

In 2017, after the annexation of the Crimean peninsula, Kerch was considered the oldest city in Russia. On its territory, sites dating back to the 8th century were discovered. BC e. The first settlement appeared in the 7th century. BC e. And the city itself was founded around the III century. BC e.

For the first time, Kerch became part of the Russian Empire at the end of the 8th century. as a result of the Russian-Turkish war. At that time, there was an active mining of shells and limestone for construction needs. By the beginning of the XX century. iron ore deposits were discovered under the city, which played a big role in the economic development of the city.

Currently, the population of Kerch is 150 thousand people. Tourists often come to the city, as it is located at the junction of the Azov and Black Seas. Also, the city continues to be one of the largest shipbuilding and metal foundry centers.

Attractions:

• Royal mound;
• Tiritaka;
• Yeni-Kale fortress;
• Merimekey;
• Nymphaeum.

Interesting Facts:

Although the title of the oldest city in the world is difficult to award to only one locality, scientists were able to identify several leaders: Jericho, Byblos and Damascus.

The leading position is currently occupied by Jericho, but other cities deserve no less interest.

Article formatting: Vladimir the Great

Video about the oldest city in the world

The oldest city in the world:

Absolutely every city has its own history of origin, some of them are quite young, others have a history of several centuries, but some of them are very ancient. The settlements that still exist today are sometimes terribly old. The age of the oldest cities helps to clarify historical research and archaeological excavations, on the basis of which the estimated dates of their formation are put. Perhaps in the presented rating is the oldest city in the world, or maybe we still do not know anything about it.

1. Jericho, Palestine (approx. 10,000-9,000 BC)

It is believed that the oldest states on Earth appeared more than 6000 years ago, but the most ancient ones, about which at least something is known, could not survive...

The ancient city of Jericho is repeatedly mentioned in biblical texts, however, there it is called the “city of palm trees”, although its name is translated differently from Hebrew - “lunar city”. Historians believe that as a settlement it arose around 7,000 BC, but there are finds that indicate an older age - 9,000 BC. e. In other words, people settled here before the Ceramic Neolithic, during the Chalcolithic.
Since ancient times, the city has been at the crossroads of military paths, so the Bible also contains a description of its siege and miraculous capture. Jericho has changed hands many times, and the most recent transfer to modern Palestine occurred in 1993. For thousands of years, residents have left the city more than once, however, then they will certainly return and revive its life. This "eternal city" is located 10 kilometers from the Dead Sea, and tourists constantly come to its sights. Here, for example, was the court of King Herod the Great.

2. Damascus, Syria (10,000-8,000 BC)

Not far from Jericho there is another patriarch among the cities, little, or maybe not inferior to him in age - Damascus. The Arab medieval historian Ibn Asakir wrote that after the Flood, the Damascus wall was the first to appear. He believed that this city arose 4,000 years before our era. The first real historical data about Damascus date back to the 15th century BC. e., at that time the Egyptian pharaohs ruled here. From the 10th to the 8th centuries BC. e. it was the capital of the Damascus kingdom, after which it passed from one kingdom to another, until in 395 it became part of the Byzantine Empire. After the visit of the Apostle Paul to Damascus in the first century, the first followers of Christ appeared here. Now Damascus is the capital of Syria and the second largest city in this country after Aleppo.

3. Byblos, Lebanon (7000-5000 BC)

The ancient Phoenician city of Byblos (Gebal, Gubl) is located 32 km from Beirut on the Mediterranean coast. At this place and now there is a city, but it is called Jabel. In ancient times, Byblos was a major seaport, through it, in particular, papyrus was brought from Egypt to Greece, which the Hellenes called “byblos” because of this, which is why they called Gebal like that. It is authentically known that Gebal existed already 4000 years BC. e. It stood near the sea on a well-defended hill, and below there were two bays with harbors for ships at once. A fertile valley stretched around the city, and a little further from the sea, mountains covered with dense forests began.
A person noticed such an attractive place long ago and settled here in the early Neolithic times. But for some reason, by the time the Phoenicians arrived, the locals left their habitable places, so the newcomers did not even have to fight for them. As soon as they settled in a new place, the Phoenicians immediately surrounded the settlement with a wall. Later, in its center, near the source, they built two temples to the main deities: one - to the mistress Baalat-Gebal, and the second - to the god Reshef. Since then, the story of Gebal has become quite reliable.

When scientists estimate the age of cities, they rely on the very first mention of them in chronicles or annals. However, often archaeological excavations ...

4. Susa, Iran (6000-4200 BC)

In modern Iran, in the province of Khuzestan, there is one of the most ancient cities on the planet - Susa. There is a version that its name comes from the Elamite word "susan" (or "shushun"), meaning "lily", since these places abounded with these flowers. The first signs of habitation here date back to the seventh millennium BC. e., and during the excavations, ceramics of the fifth millennium BC were discovered. e. The settled settlement here was formed approximately in the same terms.
Susa is mentioned in ancient Sumerian cuneiform writing, as well as in later texts of the Old Testament and other sacred books. Susa was the capital of the Elamite kingdom until it was captured by the Assyrians. In 668, after a fierce battle, the city was plundered and burned, and 10 years later, the Elamite state also disappeared. Ancient Susa had to undergo destruction and bloody battles many times, but they would certainly then be restored. Now the city is called Shush, it is inhabited by about 65 thousand Jews and Muslims.

5. Sidon, Lebanon (5,500 BC)

Now this city on the Mediterranean coast is called Saida and is the third largest in Lebanon. It was founded by the Phoenicians and made their capital. Sidon was a significant Mediterranean trading port, which has partially survived to this day, being perhaps the oldest such building. Throughout its history, Sidon has been part of different states many times, but has always been considered an impregnable city. Now it is inhabited by 200 thousand inhabitants.

6 Faiyum, Egypt (4000 BC)

In the El-Fayyum oasis in Middle Egypt, surrounded by the sands of the Libyan desert, is the ancient city of El-Fayyum. The Yusuf Canal was dug from the Nile to him. It was the most ancient city in the whole Egyptian kingdom. This area became known mainly due to the fact that the so-called "Fayum portraits" were once discovered here. In Fayum, which was then called Shedet, which means "sea", the pharaohs of the XII dynasty often stopped, as evidenced by the remains of temples and artifacts discovered here by Flinders Petrie.
Later, Shedet was called Crocodilopolis, the "City of Reptiles", because its inhabitants worshiped the god Sebek with a crocodile head. Modern El Fayoum has several mosques, baths, large bazaars and a lively daily market. Residential buildings here are lined up along the Yusuf Canal.

Religion occupies an important place in the lives of most people on the planet. In some cases, it brings peace and harmony to the social structure, in others ...

7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria (4,000 BC)

Within the boundaries of modern Plovdiv, as early as the Neolithic era, the first settlements appeared around 6000 BC. e. it turns out that Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. For 1200 years BC. e. there was a settlement of the Phoenicians - Eumolpia. In the IV century BC. e. the city was called Odrys, which is confirmed by bronze coins of that period. From the VI century, Slavic tribes began to control it, later it entered the Bulgarian kingdom and changed its name to Pyldin. Over the following centuries, the city repeatedly passed from the Bulgarians to the Byzantines and back, until in 1364 it was captured by the Ottomans. Now the city has many historical and architectural monuments, other cultural sites that attract many tourists to Plovdiv.

8. Antep, Turkey (3650 BC)

Gaziantep is the oldest Turkish city, and there are not many peers in the world. It is located near the Syrian border. Until 1921, the city bore the more ancient name Antep, and the Turks decided to add the prefix "gazi" to it, meaning "brave". In the early Middle Ages, participants in the Crusades passed through Antep. When the Ottomans took possession of the city, they began to build inns and mosques here, turning it into a shopping center. Now, in addition to the Turks, Arabs and Kurds live in the city, and the total population is 850 thousand people. Many foreign tourists come to Gaziantep every year to look at the ruins of the ancient city, bridges, museums and numerous attractions.

9. Beirut, Lebanon (3,000 BC)

According to some sources, Beirut appeared 5,000 years ago, according to others - all 7,000 years ago. Over the centuries, it has not been able to avoid numerous destructions, but each time it has found the strength to rise from the ashes. Archaeological excavations are constantly ongoing in the capital of modern Lebanon, thanks to which many artifacts of the Phoenicians, Hellenes, Romans, Ottomans and other temporary owners of the city were discovered. The first mention of Beirut dates back to the 15th century BC. e. in the Phoenician records, where he is called Barut. But there was this settlement one and a half thousand years before that.
It appeared on a large rocky cape, approximately in the middle of the coastal strip belonging to modern Lebanon. Perhaps the name of the city comes from the ancient word "birot", which means "well". For many centuries it was inferior in importance to its more powerful neighbors - Sidon and Tire, but in the ancient period its influence increased. There was a well-known school of law, which even developed the main postulates of the Justinian code, that is, Roman law, which became the basis of the European legal system. Now the Lebanese capital is a well-known tourist center.

Even in countries with a low crime rate, you can find corners where you should not meddle at all, especially for foreigners. Heading to a distant land, th...

10 Jerusalem, Israel (2,800 BC)

This city is perhaps the most famous in the world, because there are holy places of monotheism - Jews, Christians and Muslims. Therefore, it is called "the city of three religions" and "the city of the world" (less successfully). The very first settlement arose here in the period 4500-3500 BC. e. The earliest known written mention of him (approx. 2000 BC) is contained in the Egyptian "texts of curses". Canaanites 1700 B.C. e. built the first walls of the city on the east side. The role of Jerusalem in human history cannot be overestimated. It is literally overloaded with historical and religious buildings, here are the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 23 times Jerusalem was besieged, and 52 more times it was attacked, twice it was destroyed and rebuilt, but so far life in it is in full swing unusually.

These cities are the 20 oldest continuously inhabited places on Earth. Visiting them (if, of course, it is even possible) is like taking a trip back in time.

Varanasi, India

When did the first settlers settle here? 1000 BC uh. Located on the western bank of the Ganges, Varanasi, also known as Benares, is a holy city for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to legend, it was founded by the Hindu god Shiva 5,000 years ago, although modern scholars believe that the city is only about 3,000 years old. “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, even older than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.” – Mark Twain

Cadiz, Spain

When did the first settlers settle here? 1100 BC uh. Cadiz, standing on a narrow spit of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, has been home to the Spanish fleet since the 18th century. It was founded by the Phoenicians as a small trading post, and in 500 BC. e. passed to the Carthaginians, becoming the base for the conquest of Iberia by Hannibal. Then the Romans ruled the city, after them the Moors, and in the era of great geographical discoveries, he experienced a revival. "Noblely Cape St. Vincent in the northwest faded, the sunset in blood-red glory stacked in the fragrant waters of Cadiz" - Robert Browning, English poet and playwright.

Thebes, Greece

The city of Thebes, one of the main competitors of ancient Athens, was the center of the Boeotian League and even supported Xerxes during the Persian invasion in 480 BC. e. Archaeological excavations have shown that the Mycenaean settlement existed here even longer. Today Thebes is just a small trading town. “Sometimes Tragedy in tears tells me about the affairs of the Children of Pelops, and about Thebes, And about the unfortunate Trojans” - John Milton (English poet).

Larnaca, Cyprus

When did the first settlers settle here? 1400 BC uh Founded by the Phoenicians under the name of Kition, Larnaca is well known for its beautiful palm-fringed promenade. Tourists are attracted by archaeological sites and numerous beaches. “The history of this city is too rich. It can cause a kind of mental indigestion.” – Robert Byron (British travel writer)

Athens, Greece

When did the first settlers settle here? 1400 BC uh Athens is the cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, and the ancient history of the city is still visible throughout it. It is full of Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and remains a very popular tourist destination. "What great dangers are before me in the good name of Athens" - Alexander the Great.

Balkh, Afghanistan

When did the first settlers settle here? 1500 BC e. Balkh, known to the ancient Greeks as Bactria, is located in northern Afghanistan. The Arabs call it the "Mother of Cities". The city reached its peak of prosperity between 2500 and 1900 BC. e., even before the rise of the Persian and Median empires. Modern Balkh is the center of the region's cotton industry. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend. “When we were hunting in Africa, we lost our corkscrew and for several days we lived on water and food only” - William Claude Fields (American actor and writer).

Kirkuk, Iraq

When did the first settlers settle here? 2200 BC uh. Located about 240 km north of Baghdad, Kirkuk stands on the site of the ancient Assyrian capital Arrapha. Its strategic importance was recognized by Babylon and Media, which controlled the city at different points in its history. The ruins of the 5,000-year-old citadel are still visible here, and the city itself now serves as the headquarters of Iraq's oil industry. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend.

Erbil, Iraq

When did the first settlers settle here? 2300 BC uh. To the north of Kirkuk lies Erbil, which at various times was ruled by the Assyrians, Persians, Sassanids, Arabs and Ottomans. It was an important stop on the Silk Road, and the ancient citadel, which rises 26 meters above the ground, still defines its landscape. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend.

Tire, Lebanon

When did the first settlers settle here? 2750 BC uh. The legendary birthplace of Europa and Dido, Tire was founded around 2750 BC. e. It was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. e., and in 64 BC. e. became a Roman province. Today, the city lives mainly on tourism: the Roman Hippodrome in Tire is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. "Tyre, which distributed crowns, whose merchants were princes" - Bible.

Jerusalem, Middle East

When did the first settlers settle here? 2800 BC uh. The spiritual center of the Jewish people and the third holy city of Islam, Jerusalem is home to several important shrines, including the Dome of the Rock, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. During its history, the city was besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, captured 44 times and completely destroyed twice. “The view of Jerusalem is the history of the world, even more, it is the history of earth and sky” - Benjamin Disraeli (1st Earl of Beaconsfield, former Prime Minister of Great Britain).

Beirut, Lebanon

When did the first settlers settle here? 3000 BC uh. The history of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, as well as its cultural, administrative and economic center, has 5,000 years. Excavations in the city have unearthed remains of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman cultures, and its name is mentioned in letters to the pharaoh of Egypt as early as the 14th century BC. e. Since the end of the Lebanese Civil War, it has become a lively, modern and attractive city for tourists. “For the diligent student of foreign affairs, Beirut is a phenomenon, perhaps tempting, but completely, completely impossible” - Ian Morris (Welsh historian and travel writer).

Gaziantep, Türkiye

When did the first settlers settle here? 3650 BC uh. Gaziantep, a city in southern Turkey, near the border with Syria, has been known since the time of the Hittites. In the center of the city is the citadel of Ravanda, restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century, and excavations have unearthed Roman mosaics here. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend. "They have no past, they are not people of history, they exist only in the present" - Samuel Taylor Coleridge (English poet and philosopher).

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv was originally a Thracian settlement and later one of the important cities of the Roman Empire. Then it fell into the hands of Byzantium, passed to the Ottoman Empire, and finally became part of Bulgaria. It is a major cultural center with many ancient ruins, including the remains of a Roman amphitheater and aqueduct and Ottoman baths. “This is the greatest and most beautiful of all cities. Its beauty shines from afar.” – Lucian (Roman writer)

Sidon, Lebanon

When did the first settlers settle here? 4000 BC e. About 40 km south of Beirut is Sidon, one of the most important Phoenician cities - and perhaps the oldest. It was the starting point from which the vast Mediterranean empire of the Phoenicians grew. Both Jesus and the apostle Paul are said to have visited Sidon, as did Alexander the Great, who captured the city in 333 BC. e. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend. "Few people who are unaccustomed to the local climate manage to avoid a certain kind of rash" - Charles Merion (French artist).

El Fayoum, Egypt

When did the first settlers settle here? 4000 BC uh. El Fayoum, located southwest of Cairo, occupies part of Crocodilopolis, an ancient Egyptian city where the sacred crocodile Sebek was worshipped. Modern El Fayoum consists of several large bazaars, mosques and baths, and nearby are the oldest pyramids. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend. "Egypt is the gift of the river" - Herodotus (Greek historian).

Susa, Iran

When did the first settlers settle here? 4200 BC uh. Susa was the capital of the Elamite empire. Later, the city was captured by the Assyrians, and then by the Persian dynasty of the Achaemenids under the control of Cyrus the Great. Aeschylus's tragedy The Persians, the oldest play in the history of the theatre, takes place here. Now here is the city of Shush with a population of about 65 thousand people. "Persia, a country surrounded by mountains, open to the sea, a country in the middle of the world" - Francis Bacon (first Viscount of St. Albany, English philosopher and author).

Damascus, Syria

Damascus, which some sources call the oldest city in the world, may have been inhabited as early as 10,000 BC, although this is still a controversial point of view. It became an important settlement under the dominion of the Aramaeans, who built a canal network that still forms the basis of the city's water supply networks. Damascus was one of the great conquests of Alexander the Great, after which he was ruled by the Romans, Arabs and the Ottoman Empire. The city is rich in historical sights, and was a popular tourist destination until the recent unrest. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend. “Damascus is a symbol. You could say it's a bunch of characters. This is a symbol of the constancy of physical conditions that have been preserved throughout history; the constancy of the geographical limits of human settlement, government and war" - Hilaire Belloc (Anglo-French writer and historian).

Aleppo, Syria

When did the first settlers settle here? 4300 BC uh. The most populous city in Syria, with a population of about 4.4 million, was founded under the name of Aleppo around 4300 BC. e. The modern city stands in exactly the same place as the ancient one, so it has been little studied by archaeologists. Until about 800 BC. e. the city was under the rule of the Hittites, and then passed through the hands of the Assyrians, Greeks and Persians. The city was occupied by the Romans, Byzantines and Arabs, besieged by the crusaders, it was captured by the Mongols and Turks. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend.

Byblos, Lebanon

When did the first settlers settle here? 5000 BC uh. Founded by the Phoenicians as Gebal, Byblos got its name from the Greeks, who imported papyrus from the city. The word Bible comes from the Greek name for the city. key tourist attractions include ancient Phoenician temples, the fortress and church of John the Baptist built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, and the old medieval city wall. More modern spectacles include the Byblos International Festival, where bands such as Keane and Jethro Tull perform.

Jericho, Palestine

When did the first settlers settle here? 9000 BC uh. According to our sources, it is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of 20 settlements in Jericho, the oldest of which is 11 thousand years old. The city, where about 20 thousand people live today, is located near the Jordan River in the West Bank. Is it possible to get there? Special services do not recommend.

For reference: in Europe, the oldest cities include Lisbon (about 1000 BC), Rome (753 BC), Kerkyra (about 700 BC), Mantua ( around 500 BC). For comparison: London was founded in 43 AD, Moscow no later than 1147, Kyiv around 880, my Vasilkov 988.

The 20 oldest cities in the world still inhabited

Situated on the west bank of the Ganges River, Varanasi - also known as Benares - is an important holy city for Hindus and Buddhists. According to legend, it was founded by the Hindu god Shiva 5,000 years ago, although modern scientists believe that the age of the city is about 3,000 years.

Built on a narrow strip of land jutting out into the Atlantic Ocean, Cadiz has been the port of the Spanish navy since the 18th century. Founded by the Phoenicians as a small trading post and captured by the Carthaginians around 500 BC, becoming Hannibal's bridgehead for the conquest of Iberia. Then it was in Roman and Mauritanian possession. It is currently undergoing a renaissance.

Approximately in 1400 BC. founded three modern cities

As the main competitor of ancient Athens, Thebes was ruled by the Boeotian confederation and even provided assistance to Xerxes during the Persian invasion in 480 BC. Today Thebes is little more than a city market.

Founded as [Kitiyak] by the Phoenicians, Larnaca is known for its many coastal palm trees. Archaeological sites and numerous beaches attract modern visitors.

The cradle of Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy. Athens is filled with Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman monuments and remains an extremely popular tourist city.

Known to the ancient Greeks as Baktra, present-day Balkh is located in northern Afghanistan and is often referred to as the [mother of Arab cities]. The peak of development falls on the years between 2500 BC. and 1900 BC before the rise of the Persian Empire and Median. Modern Balkh is the center of the region's cotton industry.

Located about 150 miles north of Baghdad, Kirkuk stands on the site of the ancient Assyrian capital of Arrapha. Its strategic importance was recognized by the Babylonians and Media, who tried to control the city. The ruins of the 5,000-year-old citadel are still visible, and the city is now the headquarters of the Iraqi oil industry.

To the north of Kirkuk lies Erbil, which was a possession at different times: Assyrians, Persians, Sassanids, Arabs and Turks. It was the main [stop] on the Silk Road. The ancient 26-meter citadel still dominates the skyline.

The legendary birthplace of Europa and Dido, Tire was founded around 2750 BC, according to Herodotus' description. It was conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. after seven months of siege and became a Roman province in 64 BC. Today, tourism is the city's main industry: World Heritage Site (UNESCO) Roman Hippodrome.

Jerusalem is the spiritual center of the Jewish people and the third holy city of Islam. The city is home to several important religious sites, including the Mosque of Omar, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and al-Aqsa. During its history, the city was besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, captured 44 times and destroyed twice.

The capital of Lebanon, as well as its cultural, administrative and economic center, Beirut is rooted in history for 5,000 years. During excavations in the city, monuments of the Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman eras were found, there is evidence that the city was mentioned in the letters of the pharaoh of Egypt as early as the 14th century BC. Since the end of the Lebanese Civil War, Beirut has come to life as a modern tourist attraction.

Built in the southern part of Turkey, near the border with Syria, Gaziantep dates back to the time of the Hittites. The fortress of Ravanda restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century is located in the center of the city, ancient Roman mosaics were discovered in it.

Also three cities were founded around 4000 BC

The second largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv was originally a Thracian settlement before becoming the main city of the Roman Empire. It was later taken over by the Byzantine and Ottoman empires before becoming part of Bulgaria. The city is a major cultural center and is famous for its many ancient monuments, including the Roman amphitheater and aqueduct, as well as the Ottoman bath.

About 25 miles south of Beirut is Sidon, one of the most important and perhaps the oldest Phoenician cities. He was the basis from which the Mediterranean empire of the Phoenicians grew. Both Jesus and Saint Paul are said to have visited Saida, as did Alexander the Great, who captured the city in 333 BC.

Fayyum (El Fayyum) is located southwest of Cairo, and most of it is occupied by Crocodilopolis, an ancient Egyptian city that worshiped Petsuchos, the sacred crocodile. The modern city has several large bazaars, mosques and baths, nearby are the pyramids of Lekhin and Khawara.

Susa was the capital of the Elamite Empire until it was taken over by the Assyrians. It was precisely the subjugation of the Achaemenid Persians by Cyrus the Great that Aeschylus and other ancient theatrical plays write about in his tragedies. The modern city of Shush has about 65 thousand inhabitants.

3rd and 4th placesdivided between two ancient cities around 4300 BC.

There is information from some sources that Damascus is the most ancient city on Earth, founded more than 12 thousand years ago. It became a large and important settlement after the advent of the Arameans, who created a network of water channels. Damascus at various times was under the rule of Alexander the Great, Rome, Arabs and Ottomans. Today, its rich historical heritage has made the city one of the most popular destinations for tourists.

The most populous city in Syria with about 4.4 million inhabitants, Aleppo was founded as Halab around 4300 BC. The city was under the control of the Hittites, then as part of the Assyrian, Greek and Persian empires. Later it was captured by the Romans, Byzantine Arabs, besieged by the crusaders, and then fell under the rule of the Mongols and Turks.

Founded by the Phoenicians as Gebal. Byblos got its name from the Greeks, who imported papyrus from the city. By the way, the modern word [Biblyak] comes from the name of the city. The main tourist sites are the ancient Phoenician temples, the castle of St. John the Baptist and the medieval city wall.

The oldest city currently inhabited. Archaeologists have discovered the remains of a settlement dating back to 11,000 BC. The city is located on the West Bank of the Jordan River, and today about 20 thousand people live in it.

That's all! Basta, karapuziki, dancing is over :)