VI
EN
1. Jericho, Palestinian Territories
Even after being destroyed and rebuilt numerous times, Jericho still stands today. Archaeological evidence suggests the city dates back over 11,000 years, making it famous as the "oldest city in the world." With religious significance for Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, Jericho is a rather controversial place, and visitors should exercise caution before visiting.
2. Byblos, Lebanon
Founded by the Phoenicians, Byblos was originally known as Gebal. Those interested in ancient history will certainly enjoy Byblos, as they can admire ancient temples, castles, and cemeteries everywhere. The city also boasts stunning ancient architecture.
3. Aleppo, Syria
Although much of Syria is in political turmoil, the city of Aleppo can be considered the most "stable," evidenced by its survival from 5000 BC to the present day. It is the second largest city in Syria with a population of over 1.7 million. Unfortunately, many architectural areas have been affected by the effects of modern conflicts.
4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
There are many indications that Plovdiv has been inhabited since 4000 BC. This Bulgarian city in Eastern Europe is one of the oldest inhabited cities in Europe and the world. It has also been conquered several times in the past by the Greeks and Romans.
5. Faiyum, Egypt
Perhaps the oldest city in Africa is Faiyum in Egypt. Located just a few hundred kilometers from the capital Cairo, Faiyum still retains the charm of an old-world era. Visitors should take time to stroll through its streets to 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. Situated on the banks of the Ganges River in Benara, it is believed to have been founded by King Shiva around 4000 BC.
7. Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital and largest city of Greece, is also its oldest city. Looking at the well-preserved ancient architecture, you can almost imagine what ancient Greece used to look like. Athens is also a great place to visit for history buffs.
8. Jerusalem
Most ancient cities, though old, still have deep ties to modern religions and therefore often exhibit a degree of disagreement in viewpoints. This could not be more true in the case of Jews and Muslims in Jerusalem. The oldest inhabitants here probably settled there as early as 2800 BC.
9. Damascus, Syria
Although it is estimated that humans first appeared here between 8000 and 10000 BC, modern-day Damascus is determined to have been founded in the 3rd millennium BC. You can see signs of Roman, Greek, and Islamic cultures in the city's planning and architecture.
10. Tyre, Lebanon
Home to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hippodrome and the birthplace of Dido and Europa, Tyre is a remarkably well-preserved ancient city. It was also conquered by several powers, starting with Alexander the Great in 332 BC. According to the ancient historian Herodotus, the city was founded around 2750 BC.
