Top 8 Oldest Cities in the World

There are certain cities in the world that have been around for very many centuries and they have more than just the scars of history to show.  They are a cradle of great influence, both positive and negative, as far as human civilization is concerned. In the oldest cities of the world, you will find lots of beautiful architectures, amazing stories, and wonderful traditions that have been passed from one generation to another.

The few that still survive to this day has turned out to be magnificent tourist attraction centers, and if you wanted to connect with the yesteryear before our forefathers came into existence, then you need to go for expedited passport renewal and have a taste of these cities. Most of them are standing to date due to religious significance, while others just have a rich history that won’t just allow them to fade away. Here is a brief look at some of the oldest cities in the world, and which he should strive to visit at least once in your life.

Damascus in Syria

Before the war in Syria, Damascus was not just one of the oldest cities in the world but one of the top tourist attraction in the region. The first people to inhabit Damascus arrived in the city over 11,000 years ago, and life has continued to evolve there ever since.  For Christians, Damascus has a lot of religious importance, since it has been referenced in the number of instances in the bible. If you know a verse or two from the bible, then you will remember that it was when Paul was traveling to Damascus when he got converted into a Christian. It is relatively risky to visit at the moment due to the war, but you should consider visiting it once things cool off and peace comes back to the town.

 Jericho, West Bank

The fortifications you see in Jericho today dates back to 6800 BC. This is a vivid confirmation that life in the region started centuries back and it is estimated that just like Damascus, the first people to settle in Jericho arrived in the region over 11,000 thousand years ago. As such, it is one of the undisputed old cities around the globe.  Through the ages, Jericho has mainly remained inhabited and also very dry, though it is located well below the sea level with just a total population of 20000 people it’s still a quiet and serene place.

Athens in Greece

Up to date, Athens remains one of the top tourist attractions centers in the world. It is in this place where you find the birthplace of ancient philosophy and western civilization. The history of the region is great, and it dates back to the days of Plato, Aristotle and Socrates. The inhibition of the city is still going on and evidence suggests that it has been around for the last 7,000 years.  It was in Athens that the oldest remnants of human beings were discovered, which was dated to have been alive during the 7th and the 11th millennium BC. Currently, Athens is a sprawling metropolis and with the acropolis still standing overlooking the landscape below, it’s a worth while place to get your passport renewed at go and visit.

Argos

Argos is another city in Greece that makes it to the list of the oldest cities in the world. The settlement is believed to have commenced in this region about 7,000 years ago and it’s rivaling Athens in terms of age in Europe. It has been a powerful city over the years, with its location being prime for agriculture in the fertile plains of Argolis. It is also rich in history, with the most remarkable incident being when it refused to take part or send supplies during the Greco-Persian wars. Due to its powerful position, as well the history of neutrality, it is easy to understand why the city has withstood the test of time.

Plovdiv in Bulgaria

The area was a Thracian settlement and was commonly known as Philippolis in Greece. Back in the days, the city was ruled by the Ottomans and was also a major city for the Romans. Currently, the city maintains its charm and beauty, with a rich history that dates back to millennia. Evidence of inhabitation of the city can be traced back to 6000 years ago. Presently, it is the second largest city in the country of Bulgaria and a vital educational center, economic hub, and a cultural center.

Byblos in Lebanon

Byblos Lebanon has been a continuous city for the last five thousand years. The city has a reputation in antiquity and also being one of the oldest cities in the world. You’ll be surprised to know that the name of the city is actually from where the term bible came from.  It was through this region that papyrus was imported to Greece, making a great commercial hub during the olden days.

Rayy, Iran

Rayy city is located deep within the Greater Tehran metro area and evidence of inhabitation in the region dates back to over 8,000 years ago. It has been continuously occupied for the last 6,000 years, though it has managed to retain its historical monuments, with some dating back to 5000 years ago. Rayy in Iran is a deeply religious and sacred city to the people of Zoroastrians.

Jerusalem

There is no mention of old cities that will ever go without mentioning Jerusalem. This is an ocean city whose existence dates back to even before the birth of JesusChrist and throughout the years, it has been synonymous with the two most popular religions in the world – Christianity, and Islam.   The city has been around for over 5000 years and it’s literally has a wealth of religious sites.  Currently, it is one of the highly visited cities in the world and it is also the home to lots of world heritage sites. It is feared that due to modern day urban developments, the city may lose some of its heritage, as most of the sites are being destroyed to give way to skyscrapers. Perhaps, now would be a good time to go for expedited passport renewal and visit Jerusalem before all the sites are destroyed.