The oldest cities on earth are thousands of years old. Some still exist today. Visitors to these cities may find museums with relics, and in some cases, excavation sites or even ruins. Sadly, some of the cities on this list are still around, but are not safe enough to support tourism. Come with us for a look at 10 ancient cities that withstood the test of time.
Athens, Greece: Founded 1100 BCE
The youngest city on our list is Athens, Greece. Not only is the city still among the oldest in the world, but much of what is considered Western culture started here. A mild climate and the protection of overlooking mountains have helped the city to retain many of the ruins of its golden era, including the Acropolis and the Parthenon.
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India: Founded 1800 BCE
Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India, is a pilgrimage spot for Hindus because it is the center of Hindu mythology. It has a spectacular riverfront lined with shrines and temples. The city is very accommodating for tourists and is often visited for one of the most revered temples in Hinduism. Many people also come here to attend one of the three universities or dozens of local colleges.
Faiyum, Egypt: Founded 1900 BCE
Faium is the oldest city in Egypt and has ruins that date back to 1938 BCE. A diverted branch of the Nile helped give the area fertile soil, allowing the land to sustain an emerging population. What has become a dessert today was once a vibrant sea. It is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sidon, Lebanon: Founded 3000 BCE
Sidon, Lebanon, was probably inhabited as far back as Neolithic times, but we can reasonably date artifacts from the area back to at least 4000 BCE. At one time, the city rivalled those of the Phoenicians and Persians. Today, the city embraces tourism and is a lovely old town full of small shops.
Gaziantep, Turkey: Founded 3650 BCE
Gaziantep, Turkey, is not just one of the oldest cities in the world, it’s also a wonderful place to visit. The city embraces tourism and features historical sites, Ottoman architecture, and an outstanding wine industry. Visiting some local vineyards is a must, as is trying the local cuisine.
Argos, Greece: Founded 5000 BCE
Named for the son of mythical Greek gods Niobe and Zeus, Argos is still an impressive and charming city today. It has many buildings of architectural interest dating to the 1700s and 1800s. You can also see relics from the ancient city of Argos. Just west of the city, travelers can also visit Larissa Acropolis, built in 7 BCE.
Damascus, Syria: Founded 5000 BCE
“The Pearl of the East,” Damascus, Syria, is estimated to be around 7000 years old. It is so old that its ancient city center was excavated for the first time in the 3rd millennium. While it is a great strategic stronghold and could still be a trading center, the war-torn nature of the modern country makes economic building and travel there very difficult.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria: Founded 6000 BCE
Plovdiv, Bulgaria, is the oldest city in Europe, dating back at least 8000 years. “The City of the Seven Hills” has been ruled by many cultures over the millennia, including the Roman and Ottoman Empires, which have left their mark on the city’s culture and architecture. Today, it is famous for its wine and vineyards.
Erbil, Iraq: Founded 6000 BCE
Erbil, Iraq, has been continuously inhabited since ancient times. The capital is around 7000 years old, and its ruins are an amazing sight to see. Although the city is beautiful and has amazing sites to see, like other cities on this list, its geopolitical instability makes it a dangerous place to visit in modern times.
Jericho, West Bank
The ancient city of Jericho, of Biblical fame, is likely the oldest known settlement on Earth. It was able to support the growth of a settlement due to its fresh springs. The city’s walls and towers have been excavated, and it is now a tourist site that draws significant numbers of visitors each year.
For more travel tips and hacks, visit our website and explore our resources to enhance your next adventure.