Memphis, Babylon, Thebes - all of them were once the largest centers, but only the name remains of them. However, there are cities that have existed throughout the history of mankind, from the Stone Age to the present day.
Jericho (West Bank)
At the very foot of the Judean Mountains, opposite the confluence of the Jordan into the Dead Sea, is the most ancient city on earth - Jericho. Traces of settlements dating back to the 10th-9th millennium BC were found here. e. It was a permanent site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A culture, whose representatives built the first wall of Jericho. The defensive structure of the Stone Age was four meters high and two meters wide. Inside it was a powerful eight-meter tower, which, obviously, was used for ritual purposes. Its ruins have survived to this day.
The name Jericho (in Hebrew Jericho) according to one version comes from a word with the meaning "smell" and "fragrance" - "reach". According to another, from the word moon - "yareah", which the founders of the city could revere. First written reference we meet about him in the book of Joshua, which describes the fall of the walls of Jericho and the capture of the city by the Jews in 1550 BC. e. By that time, the city was already a powerful fortified fortress, whose system of seven walls was a real labyrinth. Not for nothing - Jericho had something to defend. It was located at the crossroads of three important trade routes of the Middle East, right in the middle of a blooming oasis with large quantity fresh water and fertile soil. For the desert dwellers real earth promised.
Jericho was the first city to be captured by the Israelites. It was completely destroyed, and all the inhabitants were killed, with the exception of the harlot Rahab, who had previously sheltered Jewish spies, for which she was spared.
Today, Jericho, located on the West Bank of the Jordan, is a disputed territory between Palestine and Israel, remaining in a zone of constant military conflict. Therefore, visiting the most ancient and rich in historical sights of the city is not recommended.
Damascus: "eye of the desert" (Syria)
Damascus, the current capital of Syria, is fighting for the first place with Jericho. The earliest mention of it was found in the list of conquered cities of Pharaoh Thutmose III, who lived in 1479-1425 BC. e. In the first book of the Old Testament, Damascus is mentioned as large and well famous center trade.
In the 13th century, the historian Yakut al-Humavi claimed that the city was founded by Adam and Eve themselves, who, after being expelled from Eden, found refuge in the cave of blood (Magarat ad-Damm) on Mount Qasyun on the outskirts of Damascus. The first murder in history, described in Old Testament Cain killed his brother. According to legend, the self-name Damascus comes from the ancient Aramaic word "demshak", which means "brother's blood." Another, more plausible version says that the name of the city goes back to the Aramaic word Darmeśeq, which means “well-irrigated place”.
It is not known for certain who first founded the settlement near Mount Kasyun. But recent excavations at Tel Ramada, a suburb of Damascus, have shown that humans settled the area around 6300 BC. e.
Byblos (Lebanon)
Closes the top three ancient cities Byblos, known today as Jbeil. It is located on the coast mediterranean sea 32 km from Beirut, current capital Lebanon. Once it was a large Phoenician city founded in the 4th millennium BC, although the first settlements on this territory date back to the late stone age- 7th millennium.
The ancient name of the city is associated with the legend of a certain Biblis, who was madly in love with her brother, Kavnos. She died of grief when her lover fled to escape sin, and her shed tears formed an inexhaustible well of water that watered the city. According to another version, byblos in Greece was called papyrus, which was exported from the city.
The Bible was one of major ports ancient era. He was also known for the spread of the cult of Baal there - the formidable god of the Sun, who "demanded" self-torture and bloody sacrifices from his adherents. written language ancient Byblos is still one of the main mysteries ancient world. The Proto-Biblic script, widespread in the second millennium BC, is still not decipherable, it does not look like any of the known writing systems of the Ancient World.
Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
Today, it is customary to consider the oldest city in Europe not Rome or even Athens, but the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, located in the southern part of the country between the Rhodope and Balkan mountains (the home of the legendary Orpheus) and the Upper Thracian lowland. The first settlements on its territory date back to the 6th-4th millennium BC. e., although Plovdiv, or rather, then Evmolpiada, reached its heyday under the peoples of the sea - the Thracians. In 342 BC. he was captured by Philip II of Macedon - father the famous Alexander who named it Philippopolis in his honor. Subsequently, the city managed to be under Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, which made it the second cultural center in Bulgaria after Sofia. In world history, Derbent has become an unspoken "checkpoint" between Europe and Asia. One of the most important sections of the Great Silk Road ran here. It is not surprising that he has always been a favorite object of the neighbors' conquests. The Roman Empire showed great interest in him - main goal campaigns to the Caucasus by Lucullus and Pompey in 66-65 BC was precisely Derbent. In the 5th century A.D. e. when the city belonged to the Sassanids, powerful fortifications were erected here to protect against nomads, including the fortress of Naryn-kala. From it, located at the foot of the mountain range, two walls descended to the sea, designed to protect the city and trade route. It is from this time that the history of Derbent as a large city is counted.
Throughout the history of human existence, the world has seen both the rise and fall of millions of cities, many of which were captured, destroyed or abandoned during a period of special glory and prosperity. Thanks to new technologies, archaeologists are looking for and finding them. Under the sand, ice or mud, the former glory and former greatness are buried. But many of the rare cities have passed the time test, and so have their inhabitants. We offer an overview of cities that have existed for centuries and continue to live.
The ancient cities withstood and survived, despite various difficulties - wars, natural disasters, population migration, modern standards. They have changed a little due to progress, but have not lost their originality, preserving both the architecture and the memory of people.
15. Balkh, Afghanistan: 1500 BC
The city, which Greek sounded like Baktra, was founded in 1500 BC, when the first people settled in this area. The "Mother of Arab Cities" has stood the test of time. Indeed, from the moment of its foundation, the history of many cities and empires began, including the Persian kingdom. The era of prosperity is considered the heyday of the Silk Road. Since that time, the city has experienced both ups and downs, but is still the center of the textile industry. Today, there is no former grandeur, but a mysterious atmosphere and timelessness have been preserved.
14. Kirkuk, Iraq: 2200 BC
The first settlement appeared here in 2200 BC. The city was controlled by both the Babylonians and the Medians - everyone appreciated its advantageous location. And today you can see the fortress, which is already 5,000 years old. Although these are only ruins, they are an outstanding part of the landscape. The city is located 240 km from Baghdad and is one of the centers of the oil industry.
13. Erbil, Iraq: 2300 BC
This mysterious city appeared in 2300 BC. It was the main center of trade and concentration of wealth. For centuries, it was controlled by various peoples, including Persians and Turks. During the existence of the Silk Road, the city became one of the main stops for caravans. One of its fortresses is still a symbol of an ancient and glorious past.
12. Tire, Lebanon: 2750 BC
The first settlement appeared here in 2750 BC. Since that time, the city has experienced many conquests, many rulers and commanders. At one time, Alexander the Great conquered the city and ruled for several years. In 64 AD it became part of the Roman Empire. Today it is a beautiful tourist city. There is also a mention of him in the Bible: “Who determined this to Tire, who distributed crowns, whose merchants [were] princes, merchants - celebrities of the earth?”
11. Jerusalem, Middle East: 2800 BC
Jerusalem is probably the most famous of the cities mentioned in the review of the Middle East, if not the world. It was founded in 2800 BC. and played important role in the history of mankind. In addition to being a world religious center, the city is full of historical buildings and artifacts, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city has a rich history - it was besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times. In addition, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice.
10. Beirut, Lebanon: 3000 BC
Beirut was founded in 3000 BC. and became the main city of Lebanon. Today it is the capital, famous for its cultural and economic heritage. For many years, Beirut has been tourist city. It existed for 5,000 years, despite the fact that it passed from hand to hand of the Romans, Arabs, Turks.
9. Gaziantep, Turkey: 3650 BC
Like many ancient cities, Gaziantep survived the rule of many peoples. Since its foundation, which is 3650 BC, it has been in the hands of the Babylonians, Persians, Romans and Arabs. Turkish city is proud of its multinational historical and cultural heritage.
8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 4000 B.C.
The Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has existed for over 6,000 years. It was founded in 4000 BC. Before the control of the Roman Empire, the city belonged to the Thracians, and later was ruled by Ottoman Empire. different peoples left their cultural and historical mark in its history, for example, Turkish baths or Roman style in architecture.
7. Sidon, Lebanon: 4000 BC
This unique city was founded in 4000 BC. At one time, Sidon was captured by Alexander the Great, it was Jesus Christ and St. Paul. Thanks to the glorious and rich past, the city is valued in archaeological circles. It is the oldest and most important Phoenician settlement that still exists today.
6. El Fayoum, Egypt: 4000 BC
The ancient city of Faiyum, founded in 4000 BC, is historical part the ancient Egyptian city of Crocodilopolis, almost forgotten city in which people worshiped the sacred crocodile Petsukhos. Nearby are the pyramids and a large center. Everywhere in the city and beyond there are signs of antiquity and cultural heritage.
5. Susa, Iran: 4200 BC
In 4200 B.C. The ancient city of Susa was founded, which is now called Shush. Today it has 65,000 inhabitants, although there were once more. At one time it belonged to the Assyrians and Persians and was the capital of the Elamite Empire. The city has gone through a long tragic story but remains one of the most ancient cities in the world.
4. Damascus, Syria: 4300 BC
Population the globe began to settle in cities from antiquity. On our planet, cities founded several millennia ago are still preserved. And, what is most surprising, not all of them can be called extinct - life is in full swing in many. Of course, in such cities there is something to see for tourists - amazing sights, sacred places and the atmosphere of history make them very attractive.
1. Jericho (Palestine).
Estimated year of foundation: 9000 BC The oldest city in existence today. Archaeologists have found the remains of 20 Jericho settlements that are over 11,000 years old. The city is based on west bank Jordan river. Now about 20,000 people live here.
2. Byblos (Lebanon).
Founded: 5000 BC The city, founded by the Phoenicians under the name "Gebal", received its present name from the Greeks, who imported papyrus here. The word "Bible" has one root with the toponym "Bibl". Among the main tourist attractions of the city are the Phoenician temples, the fortress of Byblos and the church of St. John the Baptist, built by the crusaders in the 12th century, as well as the old medieval city wall. International Festival Byblos attracts many performers here.
3. Aleppo (Syria).
Founded: 4300 BC Most populated city Syria, home to about 4.4 million people, was founded under the name "Aleppo" around 4300 BC. On the ancient place cities are modern residential and administrative buildings Therefore, almost no archaeological excavations have been carried out here. Before 800 BC the city belonged to the Hittites, then to the Assyrians, Greeks and Persians. Later, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs lived here. Aleppo in the Middle Ages was conquered by the Crusaders, then by the Mongols and the Ottoman Empire.
4. Damascus (Syria).
Founded: 4300 BC Damascus, which some sources call the oldest inhabited city on earth, may have been inhabited as early as 10,000 BC, although this fact is disputed. After the arrival of the Arameans, who broke up the network of canals that still form the basis of modern water supply, the city became an important settlement. Damascus was conquered by the army of Alexander the Great, it was owned by the Romans, Arabs and Turks. Today, the abundance of historical sights makes the capital of Syria popular among tourists.
5. Susa (Iran).
Founded: 4200 BC Susa was the capital of the Elamite Empire, and then was conquered by the Assyrians. Then they passed into the possession of the Persian royal dynasty Akhmenids during the reign of Cyrus the Great. Here is the scene of the tragedy of Aeschylus "The Persians", the oldest play in the history of the theater. AT modern city Shusha is inhabited by about 65,000 people.
6. Fayoum (Egypt).
Founded: 4000 BC Faiyum, located southwest of Cairo, is part of Crocodilopolis, an ancient Egyptian city where the god Sebek, depicted with the head of a crocodile, was revered. Several large bazaars, mosques and baths can be found in modern Faiyum. Near the city are the pyramids of Lechin and Khawara.
7. Sidon (Lebanon).
Founded: 4000 BC South of Beirut is Sidon, one of the most important and perhaps the oldest Phoenician cities. From here began to grow the great Mediterranean empire of the Phoenicians. They say that Sidon was visited by Jesus Christ and the Apostle Paul. Alexander the Great captured the city in 333 BC.
8. Plovdiv (Bulgaria).
Founded: 4000 BC Plovdiv, the second largest city in Bulgaria, was originally a settlement of the Thracians and then became an important Roman city. Later, it passed into the hands of the Byzantines and Turks, and then became part of Bulgaria. The city is an important cultural center and boasts numerous ancient monuments, including a Roman amphitheater and aqueduct, as well as Turkish baths.
9. Gaziantep (Turkey).
Founded: 3650 BC The history of Gaziantep, founded in southern Turkey, near the Syrian border, goes back to the time of the Hittites. The fortress of Ravanda, restored by the Byzantines in the 6th century, is located in the center of the city. Fragments of Roman mosaics have also been found here.
10. Beirut (Lebanon).
Founded: 3000 BC The capital of Lebanon, as well as its cultural, administrative and economic center, boasts rich history, which is about 5000 years old. Excavations on the territory of the city made it possible to find Phoenician, ancient Greek, Roman, Arabic and Turkish artifacts. The city was mentioned in messages Egyptian pharaoh back in the 14th century. BC. After graduation civil war in Lebanon, Beirut became busy, modern place ideal for tourists.
11. Jerusalem (Israel).
Founded: 2800 BC The spiritual center of the Jews and the third holy city of Muslims is the location of several key attractions that mean a lot to believers. Among them is the Dome of the Rock, Western wall, Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al-Aqsa Mosque. For long history the city was captured 23 times, attacked 52 times, besieged 44 times and destroyed twice.
12. Tire (Lebanon).
Founded: 2750 BC Tire is said to be the birthplace of Europa. It was founded around 2750 BC according to Herodotus. In 332 BC Alexander the Great conquered the city after a seven-month siege. In 64 BC Tire became a Roman province. Today the main industry legendary city is tourism: the Roman Hippodrome in Tire is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
13. Erbil (Iraq).
Founded: 2300 BC Erbil is located north of Kirkuk. different eras belonging to the Assyrians, Persians, Sassanids, Arabs and Turks. Erbil was an important settlement on the Silk Road, and its ancient fortress, towering 26 meters above the ground, still dominates the city landscape.
14. Kirkuk (Iraq).
Founded: 2200 BC Kirkuk, located north of Baghdad, stands on the site of the ancient Assyrian capital of Arrapha. The strategic importance of the settlement was recognized by the inhabitants of Babylon and Media, who controlled the city. The ruins of the 5000 year old fortress can still be seen. The city itself is now home to many Iraqi oil companies.
15. Balkh (Afghanistan).
Founded: 1500 BC Balkh, called Bactra by the ancient Greeks, is located in Northern Afghanistan. The Arabs call it the "mother of cities". The city reached its heyday in 2500-1900. BC, even before the rise of the Persian and Median empires. Modern Balkh is the capital of the region's textile industry.
16. Athens (Greece).
Founded: 1400 BC Athens, cradle Western civilization and the birthplace of democracy, are popular with tourists. Here you can see Greek, Roman, Byzantine and Turkish monuments, and the heritage of the city is recognized throughout the world as the greatest.
17. Larnaca (Cyprus).
Founded: 1400 BC Larnaca, founded by the Phoenicians under the name "Sitium", is famous for its wonderful promenade lined with palm trees. Archaeological sites and numerous beaches attract many tourists.
18. Thebes (Greece).
Founded: 1400 BC Thebes, the main "rival" of Athens, led the Boetian confederation and even assisted Xerxes during the Persian invasion (480 BC). Archaeological excavations showed that before the foundation of the city, there was a Mycenaean settlement here. Today Thebes is par excellence a trading city.
19. Cadiz (Spain).
Founded: 1100 BC Cadiz, built on a narrow patch of land Atlantic Ocean, from the 18th century. is the main city of the Spanish fleet. It was founded by the Phoenicians as a small trading post. Around 500 BC the city went to the Carthaginians, from here Hannibal began the conquest of Iberia. Then the Romans and Moors ruled Cadiz, and during the years of the Great geographical discoveries he reached his peak.
20. Varanasi (India).
Founded: 1000 BC Varanasi, also known as Benares, is located on the western bank of the Ganges and is a significant holy city for both Hindus and Buddhists. According to legend, it was founded by the Hindu god Shiva 5,000 years ago, although modern scholars believe that the city is about 3,000 years old.
Among the other most ancient cities in Europe, we also note Lisbon (about 1000 BC), Rome (753 BC), Corfu (about 700 BC) and Mantua (about 500 BC).
The oldest cities in the world still live today. These settlements have passed, as they say, the test of time.
History can be surprisingly unpredictable, but some of its monuments have been unshakable for several thousand years. Before you is a list of the most ancient cities in the world that did not fall into decay and were not lost over the years, but were constantly inhabited by people. Find out which cities of the East, Europe and Asia are not only considered the oldest, but are still inhabited! You may also be wondering which civilization is considered the oldest.
The most ancient cities of East Asia
Although the Chinese civilization is rightfully considered one of the most ancient, the age of its oldest surviving cities is significantly inferior to the age of the first fortified settlements of the Near and Middle East. But even these figures cause awe in a person who has come face to face with the legacy of time.Beijing
Country: ChinaYear of foundation: 1045 BC
ancient name the current capital of China - Ji. The city, founded in 1045 BC, was listed as the capital feudal principality Yang for almost two thousand years, until in 938 AD. the Liao dynasty did not make it a second capital North China. Beijing (it was also called Beijing and, later, Beiping) was the most important state center in the era of Jin, Yuan, Ming and Qing, retained this status after the formation of New China. By the way, it was in the vicinity of Beijing that the remains of Sinanthropus were found - the so-called "Beijing Man", whose age dates back to approximately 600 thousand years.
Sian
Country: ChinaYear of foundation: 1100 BC
For 3100 years, Xi'an (ancient names - Haojin, Chang-An), the most ancient city of China from now inhabited, has been the capital of ten major dynasties. A major cultural and political center was also famous for the manufacture of bronze objects; some products have survived to this day and are now exhibited in local museums. In 907, the Tang Dynasty died out, after which the city slowly fell into decay. Subsequently, he played an important role in the development of state trade, but he never returned to his former greatness.
The oldest cities in the Middle East
The ancient Near East, namely the interfluve of the Tigris and Euphrates, is considered the cradle human civilization. Mesopotamia is the largest ancient civilization, which, despite its greatness, could not resist the onslaught of centuries. But, for example, neighboring Egypt still pleases tourists with its ancient capital.Balkh
Country: AfghanistanYear of foundation: 1500 BC
This city, located on the territory modern Afghanistan, often called the cradle of three religions: Zoroastrianism, Judaism and Buddhism. Balkh is considered to be the birthplace of Zarathustra, the founder of Zoroastrianism - the most ancient religion world known to man.
Luxor
Country: EgyptYear of foundation: 3200 BC
Approximately XXII-XX centuries BC. Luxor was the capital of Waset (fourth nome ancient egypt), then became the main city of the entire kingdom of Egypt and remained so until the 10th century BC. He is also known to historians under Greek name Thebes.
El Fayoum
Country: EgyptYear of foundation: 3200 BC
Another ancient Egyptian city appeared on the world map in the 4th millennium BC. Faiyum is located southwest of Cairo, on the territory of the ancient Crocodilopolis. Such unusual name locality in honor of the cult of the sacred crocodile Petsuhos, which was worshiped by the locals. Now the city is quite modern, here you can visit large bazaars, mosques, baths, as well as the pyramids of Khawara and Lekhin.
The most ancient cities in Europe
Athens
Country: GreeceYear of foundation: 1400 BC
Exact date The founding of Athens is unknown. Written sources testify that the states of the Ancient World knew about the existence of a settlement on the site of modern Athens as early as 9600 BC. However, the city itself, which is rightly called the cradle Greek culture, arose only in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC.
Agros
Country: GreeceYear of foundation: 2000 BC
The date of foundation of the city of Agros (Peloponness) is conventionally considered to be 2000 BC. - the first evidence of its existence found by archaeologists belongs to this period. Perhaps its history goes much deeper. According to the ancient Greek epic, Agros was adjacent to Mycenae and Tiryns, now in ruins.
Mantua
Country: ItalyYear of foundation: 2000 BC
Mantua - small town in the region of Lombardy, founded by the Etruscans and Gauls. Most of its history, Mantua was located on an island on the Mincio River. Subsequently, already in the Middle Ages, the inhabitants blocked the channel and turned the island into a peninsula. As a result, the city was surrounded by lakes on three sides. By the way, in the vicinity of Mantua was born ancient roman poet Virgil.
Plovdiv
Country: BulgariaYear of foundation: 6000 BC
The oldest city in Europe is located in a picturesque place in southern Bulgaria, on the coast of the Maritsa River. Like Rome, it was built on seven hills - three of them can be clearly distinguished today. Initially, Plovdiv was a small village called Tratsian, which later turned into major center Roman Empire. Before becoming part of Bulgaria, Plovdiv was also under the rule of Byzantium and the Ottoman Empire. Modern Plovdiv is a flourishing city with a rich cultural and social life.
The oldest cities in the Middle East
bible
Country: LebanonYear of foundation: 5000 BC
Once on the site of modern Jbeil stood the ancient city of Byblos - the heart of all Mediterranean navigation, the largest exporter of papyrus to Hellas. In the sixth millennium BC, these places were chosen nomadic tribes, catching fish. After a couple of thousand years, the settlement, nicknamed by the inhabitants of Gubla, was overgrown with stone walls, and its inhabitants continued the traditions of their ancestors and turned the city into a prosperous harbor. In the III millennium BC. Gubla passed into the possession of the Phoenicians - the sea people were attracted by its convenient position and developed water infrastructure. In the second millennium BC, the city developed its own written language, which significantly increased its wealth, which was entirely dependent on trade. And a little later, he became the main exporter of papyrus to Greece. papyrus on ancient Greek they knew exactly as "bybl", and the city, accordingly, began to be called the same.
Jericho
Country: PalestineYear of foundation: 6800 BC
The most ancient city in the world is Jericho (meaning a settlement with fortified walls). Although the first human settlements arose here, on the west bank of the Jordan, as early as the 8th millennium BC. It still reminds me of those days powerful walls Jericho tower. By biblical legend, this city's walls time immemorial fell at the sound of the trumpet of Joshua. During the excavations, which were closely engaged in the middle of the 20th century, archaeologists discovered as many as forty so-called "cultural layers" under these lands!
You can also find out about the most ancient city in Russia, its history and location on our website.
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ancient cities from thousand years of history can surprise you not only with beautiful architecture and unique artifacts. Their old walls keep signs of previous eras and civilizations and show both positive and negative sides the evolution of mankind.
1. Damascus, Syria
The capital of Syria, the city of Damascus, is also the second largest city in the state. The population of Damascus is almost 2 million inhabitants. The city is very well located between Africa and Asia, and this advantageous geographical position at the crossroads of West and East, make the Syrian capital an important cultural, commercial and administrative center states.
The history of the city begins around 2.500 BC, although the exact historical period the settlement of Damascus is still unknown to scientists. The architecture of the buildings is varied and marked by several ancient civilizations: Hellenistic, Byzantine, Roman and Islamic.
The old walled city is breathtaking with its ancient buildings, narrow streets, green courtyards and white houses, and all the more contrasts with the flow of tourists who come from all over the world to see this stunning ancient city.
2. Athens, Greece
The capital of Greece is Athens, the cradle of Western civilization with a population of about 3 million people. The history of the ancient city is more than 7000 years old, and its architecture bears the influence of the Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman civilizations.
Athens - home the greatest writers, playwrights, prominent philosophers and artists. Modern Athens is a cosmopolitan, cultural, political and industrial centre Greece. The historic center of the city consists of the Acropolis ( high city), a high hill with the remains of ancient buildings, and the Parthenon, a monumental temple of Ancient Greece.
Athens is also considered a huge archaeological research center, it's full here historical museums, including the National Archaeological Museum, the Christian and Byzantine Museums, the new Acropolis Museum.
If you decide to visit Athens, be sure to visit the port of Piraeus, which for many centuries was the most important port in the Mediterranean due to its strategic position.
3. Byblos, Lebanon
The ancient city of Byblos modern name Jbeil) is another cradle of many civilizations. This is one of the oldest cities in Phoenicia, the first mention of which dates back to 5000 BC. It is believed that it was in Byblos that the Phoenician alphabet was invented, which is still used today.
There is also a legend that English word The Bible comes from the name of the city, as Byblos was important at that time. seaport through which the papyrus was imported.
At present, Byblos is a harmonious fusion of modern polis and ancient buildings and is a popular holiday destination for tourists, thanks to the ancient fortresses and temples, picturesque views of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins and the port, which people come to see from all over the world.
4. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is the most visited ancient city in the Middle East by tourists and is the most important religious center in the world. it Holy place for Christians, Jews and Muslims, currently there are about 800,000 people, 60% of whom profess Judaism.
Jerusalem has experienced many of the greatest tragic events, including sieges and destruction caused by bloodshed Crusades. The old city was founded about 4000 years ago and is strictly divided into four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian. The hardest thing for tourists to get into is the isolated Armenian quarter.
In 1981, the Old Town was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. Jerusalem is not just a city, for the Jews of the whole world it symbolizes native home, a place where you want to return after long wanderings.
5. Varanasi, India
India is a mystical country, homeland ancient civilizations and religions. And a special place in it is occupied by the sacred city of Varanasi, located on the banks of the Ganges River and founded more than 12 centuries before the birth of Christ. Hindus believe that the city was created by the god Shiva himself.
Varanasi, also known as Benares, was a place of worship for pilgrims and wanderers from all over India. Mark Twain once said about this ancient city: “Benares is older than history itself, it is even twice as old as all ancient legends and traditions of India put together."
Modern Varanasi is an outstanding religious and Cultural Center where they live famous musicians, poets and writers. Buy fabric here the highest class, excellent perfumery, stunningly beautiful products from Ivory, the famous Indian silk and jewelry of excellent workmanship.
6. Cholula, Mexico
More than 2,500 years ago, from numerous scattered villages, the ancient city of Cholula was founded. Various Latin American cultures existed here, such as the Olmecs, Toltecs and Aztecs. The name of the city in the Nahuatl language literally translates as "place of flight."
After the city was captured by the Spaniards, Cholula began to develop rapidly. Great Conqueror Mexican conquistador Hernan Cortes called Cholula "the most beautiful city outside of Spain."
Nowadays, it is a small colonial town with a population of 60,000 people, the main attraction of which is Great Pyramid Cholula with a shrine at the top. It is one of the largest man-made monuments ever built by man.
7. Jericho, Palestine
Today, Jericho is a small town of about 20,000 inhabitants. In the Bible, it is called "the city of palm trees." testify that the first people began to settle here almost 11,000 years ago.
Jericho is located almost in the center of Palestine, which makes it an ideal place for trade routes. In addition, the natural beauty and resources of this area caused numerous invasions of enemy hordes into ancient Palestine. In the first century AD, the Romans completely destroyed the city, then it was rebuilt by the Byzantines, and destroyed again. After that, it remained deserted for several centuries.
For almost the entire 20th century, Jericho was occupied by Israel and Jordan until it became part of Palestine again in 1994. The most famous sights of Jericho are the fabulously beautiful palace of Caliph Hisham, the Shalom al-Israel synagogue and the Mount of Temptation, where, according to the Bible, the devil tempted Jesus Christ for 40 days.
8. Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo The largest city in Syria, about 2.3 million people live here. The city has a very favorable geographical position, being in the center of the Great Silk Road which connected Asia and the Mediterranean. The history of Aleppo goes back over 8,000 years, although archaeologists claim that the first people settled in the area as early as 13,000 years ago.
In various historical eras, this ancient city was ruled by the Byzantines, Romans and Ottomans. As a result, the buildings of Aleppo combine several different architectural styles. locals called Aleppo "the soul of Syria".
9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
The history of the city of Plovdiv begins as early as 4000 BC. and for many centuries, this oldest city in Europe was ruled by many vanished empires.
It was originally a Thracian city, later captured by the Romans. In 1885 the city became part of Bulgaria and now it is the second largest city in the country and is an important educational, cultural and economic center of the state.
You should definitely take a walk through the Old Town, where numerous ancient monuments are preserved. There is even a Roman amphitheater built by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD! There are many beautiful churches and temples, unique museums and monuments, and if you want to touch ancient history be sure to visit this place.
10. Luoyang, China
While most of the ancient cities are in the Mediterranean, Luoyang stands out from this list as the oldest continuously inhabited city in Asia. Luoyang is considered geographical center China, the cradle of Chinese culture and history. People settled here almost 4,000 years ago, and now Luoyang is one of largest cities China with a population of 7,000,000 people.
