Each and every city has many unrevealed secrets and tales.
The stories from the ancient cities’ rich cultural history are much more vivid and interesting.
They exhibit traces of changing human civilizations and have an interesting history and architecture.
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With the exception of invasions by humans and natural disasters, the majority of ancient towns around the world have survived the race of time.
In this article, you will get to know about the following ancient cities to visit in the world,
Let’s see each of these in detail…
1. Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital and greatest city of Greece is one of the world’s oldest cities and has been continuously inhabited since 5,000 B.C., or roughly 7,000 years.
If you are a history buff you will enjoy exploring this city. This was a dominant city-state and the main center for the foundation of democracy.
It is filled with historical treasures from numerous civilizations, including the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman.
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Most importantly it was the home to the great old legends Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates.
The civilizations witnessed the invasion of the Persians and Dorians.
Although Greece has suffered a lot of economic downfall in recent years, it continues to be a top travel destination for travelers interested in exploring the amazing history, art, cuisines, and people of Athens.
Today Athens is a sprawling metropolis. There are a lot of historic and popular places to visit in the city.
(Click to know some of the best places to visit in Athens)
2. Susa, Iran
Susa was one of the most significant cities in the Ancient Middle East and a Proto-Elamite ancient metropolis (the home of early civilizations within a region roughly corresponding to the modern Middle East).
The city is aged over 7000 years.
It was one of the most important cities in the ancient world because of its close proximity to the Tigris River.
The Assyrians are thought to have entirely destroyed the city in the past, but it was rapidly rebuilt and saw its heydays during the Persian Empire.
If you stroll this age-old city, you can see many archeological mounds on the eastern edge of the Shaver RIver and Ardheshir’s Palace.
The architectural ruins include many palatial structures and residential settlements.
This site bears exceptional testimony to the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian cultural traditions. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
3. Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon was one of the most significant Phoenician cities. It is the third largest city in Lebanon and is found in the South Governorate.
The Phoenicians were renowned for their expertise in shipbuilding and Mediterranean Sea navigation.
Sahyadri is also a city that has a long and rich history. The area was inhabited possibly before 6000 BC.
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St Paul, Jesus, and many other renowned personalities are said to have visited this city a long time back.
The archeologists conducted several excavations and discovered several incredible sites including the Sidon Sea Castle.
4. Varanasi, India
Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in all of India and the world. It is the birthplace of the famous religion of Hinduism.
This city has other names like Benares, Banaras, and Kashi, and it is in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh.
It dates back to the 11th century B.C.
This city is situated on the banks of the Ganges river. Hindu pilgrims and tourists visit this holy city from all over the world.
Not only this place is a sacred cremation ground, but people bathe in the Holy River Ganges to free themselves from past sins.
The place is known for being one of the most renowned Shiva shrines in the world (the prime jyotirlinga).
There are almost 2,000 temples surrounding the city, including the golden temple of Kashi Vishwanath.
5. Damascus, Syria
Damascus in Syria is the oldest city in the world. It is also known as the capital of Arab culture.
This place has witnessed the rise and fall of many great civilizations.
According to scientific findings and historical data, the second half of 7000 B.C. is when Damascus was originally inhabited.
Excavations at Tell Ramad, have revealed that Damascus was inhabited as early as 8,000 to 10,000 BC.
It has been a continuously inhabited city for ages and is a significant cultural hotspot for Arabs.
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Currently home to more than two million people, Damascus has proclaimed the Arab Capital of Culture in 2008.
However, it wasn’t recognized as a significant city until the Aramaeans arrived.
It was the epicenter of a thriving craft sector during the Middle Ages, with various parts of the city specializing in particular trades or crafts.
The city is a remarkable example of the Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic cultures that shaped it.
6. Jericho, West Bank
This city dates back almost eleven thousand years ago.
It was destroyed for an unidentified reason in about 1500 BC. There are homes here that date back 11,000 years.
According to historians, either the Egyptian invasion or an earthquake must have destroyed the city.
This city’s history of human civilization dates back to 9000 BC, according to archaeologists.
The city is situated in the valley of the Jordan River, with Jerusalem to the west and the river flowing to the east.
Additionally, it is the world’s lowest city. It is situated 258 meters below sea level.
Almost 25,000 people still inhabit this old city.
7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The city dates back 6,000 years beginning with a Neolithic settlement. It’s the second-largest city in Bulgaria and was a fortified Thracian metropolis in the past.
It later developed into a sizable Roman city but was later conquered by the Byzantines and the Ottomans.
An amphitheater, a Roman aqueduct, and Ottoman baths are among the city’s historic remnants.
In 815 AD, the Bulgarians took control of it. The 15th century saw the first appearance of the name Plovdiv.
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You can stroll around the city to have a look at the Ancient Bath, ottoman era houses, Klianti, and Hindliyan House, and don’t forget to try the old dishes.
Some of the main attractions 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.
These are some of the oldest cities in the world that you can visit even today.
Visit these cities bursting with old flavor and culture once in a lifetime!
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