10 oldest cities in the world you need to add to your bucket list
Published on Sep 19, 2023 10:38 AM IST
- Here are 10 ancient cities that are widely considered to be among the oldest continuously inhabited settlements.
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Published on Sep 19, 2023 10:38 AM IST
From the bustling city of Damascus in Syria, where people settled a staggering 11,000 years ago, to Varanasi in India, a city that's been functioning for an incredible 5,000 years, we'll explore these amazing ancient cities and their captivating stories. (Unsplash)
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Sidon, Lebanon – 6,000 years old: Sidon, a coastal port city situated approximately 25 miles from Beirut, has a history of human habitation dating as far back as 4,000 B.C. As the third-largest city in Lebanon, it is nestled within the South Governorate, boasting a strategic location that has contributed to its historical significance and enduring cultural legacy. (Unsplash)
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Argos, Greece – 7,000 years old: Argos, located in Greece, holds the esteemed title of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities globally, and notably, the oldest in Europe. Presently, thousands of residents call this historic city home, where one can discover a plethora of ancient monuments steeped in history. (Unsplash)
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Susa, Iran – 6,300 years old: Also referred to as Shushan, this city is located in the southwest of Iran. Archaeological excavations have uncovered evidence of urban structures dating back to approximately 4000 BCE, shedding light on its ancient origins and historical importance. (Unsplash)
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Plovdiv, Bulgaria – 6,000 years old: Plovdiv holds the distinction of being Bulgaria's second-largest city and is renowned as one of the oldest cities in Europe, standing as a living testament to the continent's ancient history and heritage. (Unsplash)
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Varanasi, India – 5,000 years old: Varanasi, also referred to as Benaras or Kashi, stands as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. According to belief, the town was founded by Shiva, along with Vishnu and Brahma, in the 11th century, lending to its profound historical and spiritual significance. (Unsplash)
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Byblos, Lebanon – 7,000 years old: "Byblos, situated in the Mount Lebanon Governorate of Lebanon, holds the distinction of being both the oldest and the largest city in the region. People are thought to have first settled here between 8800 and 7000 BC, and the city has been continuously inhabited since 5000 BC." (Unsplash)
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Damascus, Syria – 11,000 years old: Research and historical evidence indicate that Damascus was initially settled during the latter part of the seventh millennium B.C. Today, Damascus has evolved into a bustling metropolitan area boasting a population exceeding two million. (Unsplash)
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Athens, Greece – 7,000 years old: The presence of humans in Athens can be traced back to as early as the 11th to 7th millennium BC. Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, has a history that extends to these ancient times, marking it as a significant and enduring center of human civilization. (Unsplash)
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Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan – 6,000 years old: Human settlement in Erbil can be traced back to the 5th millennium BC, making it an ancient city with a rich history. Today, Erbil is renowned for its blend of modern amenities such as malls, alongside its treasure trove of ancient sites. (Unsplash)
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Aleppo, Syria – 8,000 years old: Aleppo, also known as 'Halab,' has been continuously lived in for over 8,000 years. The earliest signs of human settlement in this city can be traced back to the eleventh millennium B.C. (Unsplash)
