1. Jericho, Palestinian Territories
Even after being destroyed and rebuilt many times, Jericho still stands today. Archaeological evidence suggests that the city existed more than 11,000 years ago, earning it the reputation of being the “oldest city in the world.” With religious significance to Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, Jericho is a controversial place and visitors should consider their options when visiting.
2. Byblos, Lebanon
Founded by the Phoenicians, Byblos was originally known as Gebal. Ancient history buffs will definitely enjoy Byblos as they will find ancient temples, castles, and cemeteries everywhere. The city also boasts stunning ancient architecture.
3. Aleppo, Syria
While much of Syria is in political turmoil, the city of Aleppo can be considered the most “peaceful”, as evidenced by the fact that it has remained standing since 5000 BC. It is the second largest city in Syria with a population of over 1.7 million people. Unfortunately, many of the architectural areas have been affected by the effects of modern conflicts.
4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
There are many signs that Plovdiv has been inhabited since 4000 BC. This city in Bulgaria in Eastern Europe is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe and the world. It has also been conquered many times in the past by the Greeks and Romans.
5. Faiyum, Egypt
Africa’s oldest city may be Faiyum in Egypt. Just a few hundred kilometers from Cairo, Faiyum still has an old-world charm. Visitors should take the time to wander the streets and admire its beautiful shops and mosques.
6. Varanasi, India
One of the oldest cities in the world and the oldest surviving city in India is Varanasi - a cultural hotspot for Hindus. Located on the banks of the Ganga River, Benara, it is believed to have been built by King Shiva in 4000 BC.
7. Athens, Greece
The capital and largest city of Greece, Athens, is also its oldest city. Looking at the ancient architecture that has remained intact here, you can almost imagine what ancient Greece must have looked like. Athens is also a great place to visit for history buffs.
8. Jerusalem
Most old cities, while ancient, are still deeply connected to modern religions and are therefore often at odds with each other. This is no more true than in the case of Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem, whose earliest inhabitants may have settled as early as 2800 BC.
9. Damascus, Syria
Although it is believed that humans first appeared here between 8000 and 10000 BC, modern-day Damascus is believed to have been founded in the 3rd millennium BC. You can see signs of Roman, Greek and Islamic culture in the planning and architecture of the entire city.
10. Tyre, Lebanon
Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site Hippodrome and the birthplace of Dido and Europa, Tyre is an ancient city that still stands today. It has been conquered by a number of forces since the time of Alexander the Great in 332 BC. According to the ancient historian Herodotus, the city was founded in 2750 BC.
