Top Five Oldest Cities in the World

Founded hundreds of thousands years ago, the cities below are worthy of the rank of the Top Five Oldest Cities in the World. To stand through time, wars, and natural disasters requires talent, valor, and consideration. So, let’s celebrate the most ancient cities and respect them as you would your ancestors.

1. Damascus, Syria

Damascus is the capital as well as the second largest city of Syria which provides accommodation to almost 4.5 million people. It was initially settled in 2^nd millennium BC and thus is ranked first among the top five oldest cities in the world. Thanks to the diligent city administration, some important architectural designs such as city’s doors, alleys and walls seem untouched even after hundreds of years. The international tourists and backpackers have appreciated the well-preserved place in Syria that always lures people to learn about their history. The city has recently experienced acute destruction because of the ongoing Syrian Civil War.

2. Byblos, Lebanon

Byblos or Jubayl (in Arabic) is a Mediterranean city in the modern Lebanon. It is believed to have been originally inhabited somewhere between 8800 and 7000 BC and thus is considered one of the oldest, still surviving cities in the world. The oldest sites in Byblos that really worth a visit include Kings Tomb, Tower Temple, Northeastern Gate and the Crusader Castle. The city is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

3. Varanasi, India

Varanasi, the holy place of Hindus, Jains and Budhists in India, is third on the list of top five oldest cities in the world. Based on the legend, Varanasi was founded by the Hindu deity Lord Shiva around three thousand years ago. It original name was Kashi and Banaras. Besides being the current cultural capital of Indian, the city is also among the major tourist attractions of the country. The best time to visit Varanasi is October-March. In addition, thanks to the profusion of temples, the city is famous as the “city of temples.”

4. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

With a history of around 8000 years, Plovdiv is one among the most primitive cities of Europe. It has accommodation of 338,153 inhabitants and is ranked second largest city in Bulgaria and in historical international region of Thrace, with Bulgarian capital Sofia and Istanbul being first respectively. Moreover, it is 10^th largest city in the Balkans. The picturesque town is home to several parks, gardens, museums and archaeological monuments, which manage to attract large number of tourists to the city annually.

5. Sidon, Lebanon

Sidon is a renowned name in ancient history and is most mysterious cities of Lebanon. The third largest city of Lebanon is proved to be inhabited since 4000 B.C and therefore is sitting at the last spot on the list of top five oldest cities in the world. The city has several famous tourist attractions like The Great Mosque, The Sea Castle and The Souks.

 

 

Top Five Oldest Cities in the World