Any city has its own history of creation, but not every one of them can boast a centuries-old existence. Some of the settlements that exist today were formed a very long time ago. The age of many cities was established with the help of archaeological and historical researchers, the conclusions of which indicate the approximate time of appearance. Based on these data, a rating is compiled: oldest cities in the world, where the most ancient urban settlements of our planet are considered.
10. Jerusalem
This city is known to many residents of all countries, since it contains the holy places of Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is also called the city of peace and the city of three religions. The first human footprints in Jerusalem appeared in 2800 BC. e., therefore it can rightfully be considered one of the oldest cities in the world.
Throughout its history, Jerusalem has experienced multiple wars, they tried to completely destroy it twice, but to this day it pleases us with its grandeur and beauty and joyfully meets pilgrims from all over the world. In Jerusalem, the age-old traditions of different peoples are strikingly mixed, which is expressed in historical monuments, the culture of local residents and in unique architecture.
9. Beirut
Beirut occupies the 9th position in the ranking of the oldest cities in the world. According to various sources, the city appeared 3000-5000 years BC. e. During its existence, Beirut was repeatedly destroyed, but it was always possible to restore it.
Excavations were repeatedly carried out in the Lebanese capital, during which various artifacts belonging to the Phoenician, Ottoman, Roman and many other ethnic communities were found. According to research, written records of Beirut date back to the 14th century BC. Now the city is a tourist center of Lebanon. Its population is 361,000 people.
8. Gaziantep
Gaziantep is one of the oldest cities in Turkey and around the world. It is located close to the border of Syria. Its settlement occurred in 3650 BC. Until 1921, the city bore a different name - Antep, after which the title "ghazi" was added to it, which means brave. In ancient times, crusades passed through the city, and in 1183, during the Ottoman Empire, Gaziantep began to rebuild mosques and inns, and later it became a shopping center.
The modern city is inhabited by Turks, Arabs and Kurds, their approximate number is 850,000 people. Crowds of tourists from different countries visit Gaziantep every year. There is something to see: the ruins of ancient cities, museums, bridges and other unique attractions.
7. Plovdiv
The first settlements in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv appeared 4000 years BC. According to some reports, it is the oldest city in Europe, therefore, it is given the 7th line in the ranking of the oldest cities in the world. In 342 BC Plovdiv was called differently - Audris. This name can be seen on ancient bronze coins.
In the 6th century, the city was under the control of Slavic tribes, later it became part of the Bulgarian kingdom and was renamed Pyldin. Over its subsequent history, the city several times fell under the control of the Byzantines and returned again to the Bulgarians. In 1364, Plovdiv was captured by the Ottomans. The modern city is famous for a large number of historical monuments and other attractions, known far beyond the borders of Bulgaria.
6. Fayyum (El Fayyum)
This Egyptian city appeared around 4000 BC. It is located in the territory of another ancient city of Crocodilopolis, in the southwest of Cairo. The fact that he is one of the oldest cities in the world is testified by excavations that confirm the visit of the city by the pharaohs of the 12th dynasty. In those days, the city was called Shedet, which means sea.
Currently, El Fayyum is flooded with numerous markets, bazaars and mosques. The city has an unusual infrastructure with various attractions. It produces rose oil, grow exotic fruits and cereals.
5. Sidon
The oldest city in Lebanon began its existence 4000 years BC. It is located 40 km from the capital. According to historical data, it is known that Jesus and the apostle Paul visited him. In the time of the Phoenicians, it was the largest trading center of the Mediterranean. Until now, the seaport, built in the Phoenician era, has been preserved.
Sidon was repeatedly included in various states and empires. It was considered one of the most impregnable cities. Now about 200,000 people live here.
4. Susa
The very first settlements in Suza appeared in 4200 BC. e., the city is mentioned in the ancient Sumerian chronicles, as well as in the Old Testament and other scriptures. The city had the status of the capital of the Elamite empire until it was captured by the Assyrians. In 668, a battle occurred during which the city was looted and burned. Ten years later, the Elamite empire disappeared.
One of the most ancient cities of Susa suffered many times the bloody battles and destruction, but each time it was rebuilt. Currently, the city of Susa is called Shush, its number totals about 65 thousand people, mainly Muslims and Jews.
3. Byblos
One of the three oldest cities in the world is the Bible, not known as Jabal. This Lebanese city was founded in 4-5 millennium BC. It was built by the Phoenicians and gave it the name Gebal. On its territory there are many Phoenician shrines, as well as the Church of St. John the Baptist. The ancient Greeks began to call the city a biblical, who visited the city and acquired papyrus here. In ancient times, Biblios was the largest port.
The biblical letters have not been translated; they still remain a mystery that the ancient city left. They are not similar to any of the writing systems of the time.
2. Damascus
The second position is occupied by the ancient city of Damascus. The first mention of it dates back to the 15th century BC. In this period of time, Egyptian pharaohs ruled here. Later, the city was the center of the Damascus kingdom. For the rest of its existence, Damascus has repeatedly become part of various states and empires. It is known that the Apostle Paul visited Damascus, then the first Christians appeared here.
Currently, Damascus is the cultural capital and the second largest Syrian city, more than 1.5 million people live here.
1. Jericho
The top of the podium rightfully belongs to the oldest city in the world - Jericho. Historians have discovered on its territory the remains of ancient settlements that settled here 9 millennia BC. The city is located on the banks of the sacred river Jordan, it is known to many by biblical scriptures.
Modern Jericho is a real living museum of ancient monuments. Here you can see the ruins left from the palace of King Herod, visit the source of the holy prophet Elisha and visit various Orthodox shrines. At present, its population is more than 20,000 people.