Posted by Williammalecela.com on Monday, August 21, 2017
The ground beneath these cities and perhaps some of the walls have
vibrated to the tune of continuous human habitation not just for
centuries, but millenia.
Damascus, Syria
One of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Damascus was founded in
the 3rd millennium B.C., and through excavation sites, archeologists
have been able to prove that the area was first inhabited sometime
between 8,000 and 10,000 B.C. Located in present-day Syria,
the city is a unique place as so many cultures have made it what it is
today, including elements of Roman and Greek city urban planning. Islam
has also had a great influence, which is evident in the Umayyad Mosque.
Also known as the Great Mosque, it is one of the largest and oldest
mosques in the world, built sometime between A.D. 705 and 715.
Athens, Greece
The capital and largest city in Greece, Athens is also, of course,
one the oldest cities in the world with continuous inhabitation since
5,000 B.C., or approximately 7,000 years. Once a powerful city-state and
the birthplace of democracy, history buffs will love
strolling around this city as it is brimming with historical gems,
representing various empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
While Greece has suffered in recent years due to the economic downturn,
it remains a popular destination with tourists seeking to experience the
incredible history, art, cuisine, and people that Athens has to offer.
Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon, Lebanon is another city with a long, rich history. Indeed, it
is believed that the area was inhabited sometime around 4,000 B.C. or
possibly even earlier around 6,000 B.C., and it’s also widely held that
historical figures such as Jesus, St. Paul, and Alexander the Great all
visited (the latter actually capturing the city). Located south of
Beirut, this Phoenician city is now one of the largest cities in Lebanon
and is home to Sayhad, a busy port. Much of Sidon’s history lies
beneath the modern buildings, making it difficult for archeologists to
conduct excavations; however, there are incredible sites that can be
explored, including the Sidon Sea Castle.
Rayy, Iran
Part of the Greater Tehran metropolitan area in Iran, Rayy, also
spelled Rey or Ray, is the oldest city in the province and one of the
oldest cities in the world with evidence supporting the fact the
inhabitants go back as far as 6,000 B.C. Steeped in history, the city
was mentioned as being a sacred place in the Avesta, which are the
ancient scriptures of Zoroastrianism. Arabs captured the city
in A.D. 641, and it was almost destroyed by the Mongols in 1220.
Historical monuments that survive include the 12th century Tughrul Tower
and the 5,000-year-old Cheshmeh Ali Hill, ‘a hill with a spring’ and an
excavation site where 7,000-year-old artifacts were discovered.
Jerusalem, Israel
An important religious center for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic
faiths, Jerusalem is steeped in history. Some of the earliest
inhabitants can be traced to 2,800 B.C., and with a history that long,
it’s safe to say that the city (like any city on this list) as been
through a lot, including being besieged, attacked, and captured numerous
times throughout its existence. Jerusalem is home to many wonderful sites,
including the Western Wall (c. 19 B.C.) — a retaining wall of the
holiest site, the Temple Mount, for the Jewish people — The Old City,
built by King David in 1004 B.C., and the Mount of Olives.
Faiyum, Egypt
The oldest city in Egypt
and one of the oldest in Africa, Faiyum was founded around 4,000 B.C.
Located approximately 62 miles southwest of Cairo, Faiyum is partly
located in an area that was once the ancient city of Crocodilopolis,
whose inhabitants worshipped a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos who had
its own temple pond. Today, there are mounds marking the site of ‘The
Crocodile City,’ plus Faiyum is home to bazaars, markets, mosques, and
baths.
Byblos, Lebanon
Another city located in present-day Lebanon,
Byblos, originally known as Gebal, is one of the oldest Phoenician
cities, founded around 5,000 B.C. Situated along the coast of the
Mediterranean about 25 miles north of Beirut, Byblos — the name the
Greeks gave the city — is the location from where the Phoenician
alphabet spread. Today, there are many sites that will interest history
lovers, including the Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century, and
the Phoenician Royal Necropolis, which is found near the castle.
Jericho, Palestinian Territories
A small city with a population of 20,000 people, Jericho, which is
located in the Palestine Territories, is believed to be the oldest city
in the world. Indeed, some of the earliest archeological evidence from
the area dates back 11,000 years. Having gone through its fair share of
turmoil, including being destroyed and rebuilt more than once, Jericho
is still standing today, offering visitors
various historical, religious sites to see such as the Mount of
Temptation, where Jesus was tempted by the devil, and Nabi Musa, the
area believed to be where Moses’ tomb is located.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
One of Europe’s oldest inhabited cities, Plovdiv is the second
largest city in Bulgaria. Inhabited since 4,000 B.C., beginning with a
Neolithic settlement, Plovdiv has been conquered by many people
throughout its history, including the Greeks and the Romans, which is
evident in the ancient ruins found across the city. Some of the
highlights include the Ancient Stadium of Philippopolis
(an old name for Plovdiv); the Roman Amphitheatre, which still hosts
major events; and the Ruins of Eumolpias, a Thracian settlement from
5,000 B.C.
Gaziantep, Turkey
Located in southern Turkey near the Syrian border, Gaziantep’s
earliest inhabitants were settled in 3,650 B.C. Also known as Antep,
this city offers visitors many historical sites to explore, such as the
Gaziantep Fortress and Ravanda citadel, both of which were restored in
the 6th century by the Byzantines, and the ruins of Rumkale. Other
highlights include the Zeugma Mosaic Museum, the largest of its kind in the world. Also, the city is known for its pistachio baklava and features over 150 pastry shops.
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