Old Russian city. History of Russian cities

The ancient city and its inhabitants Art and artistic work Grade 4 Teacher: Vlasova Svetlana Vasilievna GOU Secondary School No. 639 St. Petersburg Goals and objectives -To introduce students to the organization of the internal space of the city; -Give an idea of ​​the architecture of the Kremlin, shopping area and posad. -Improve paper design skills; -Develop compositional thinking; -Cultivate interest in the culture and history of the Russian people. A.M. Vasnetsov “The Kremlin under Dmitry Donskoy” “Novgorod bargaining” A.M. Vasnetsov A.M. Vasnetsov “Foundation of Moscow” A.M. Vasnetsov “Ancient Russian city” Kitai-gorod street in Moscow, 17th century. Defense of the city of Moscow under Ivan the Terrible Moscow Kremlin under Ivan 3 Moscow Kremlin under Ivan Kalita A.M. Vasnetsov “Book stalls on Spassky Bridge” N.K. Roerich “Messenger” N.K. Roerich “Messenger”, 1897 This painting is N .K. Roerich presented at the final exam of the Academy of Arts. "Messenger" is the first painting from the "Slavs" series, written on the plot ancient Russian history: a messenger in a boat hurries to a remote settlement with important news that generation after generation has risen. The picture takes the imagination back to ancient times. The artist found the theme in “The Tale of Fiery Years” - the first Russian chronicle compiled in the 12th century by the monk of the Kiev-Pechersk Monastery Nestor. In this canvas, Roerich takes us into the past. The dark greenish river is the river of life, covered in the damp evening air after sunset. The river is the only road. Against the background of a stern sky - a pile of some buildings, primitive in shape, some kind of fortress, "a fortification, which the tightly moving human mind-calculation is still creating with difficulty. And right there on the palisade, on the tine - the primitives of the human and animal world of the skull , skeletons. This is a diagram of the foundations of life, its harsh geometry. Here are the people of those centuries - wary figures, a sword at their hip. They slide in a boot, hollowed out of wood, in the primitiveness of human river work. In the picture, precise archaeographic details are strung on a thread of the most authentic kind. life. N.K. Roerich “The Messenger”, 1897 The first painting - and the first major success. It became a real sensation, amazed, amazed with the accuracy of the psychological vision of time, the alarming intensity of the colors. The painting not only made a name for the beginning artist, but also became a phenomenon. in Russian painting of those years. The landscape in it can be compared with the “moods” that captivated Levitan, Serov and other artists at that time. At the same time, the imperious tread of the New Epoch was already heard here. N.K. Roerich sought first of all to convey holistic view about the Epoch, a certain historical mood. The picture is small, there is no famous thing in it historical fact. But this is a historical work dedicated to a distant era. The artist tells about the life of the ancient Slavs, about their troubled everyday life. In the combination of elements of different genres - everyday life and landscape - Roerich conveys the spirit of the past. With this he approved a new type of historical compositions. The picture attracted everyone's attention, she was given a very high rating. For this painting, Roerich was awarded the title of artist. P. Tretyakov wanted to acquire the entire planned series “Slavs”, but did not have time, and after Tretyakov’s death the paintings were dispersed to different places. N.K. Roerich “Messenger”, 1897 Roerich heard many reviews. They admired the unexpected glow of colors, and the young artist was declared the founder of the historical landscape. At the same time, N.K. Roerich, together with Rimsky-Korsakov and the sculptor Ginsburg, went to see L.N. Tolstoy. Roerich brought a photocopy of "The Messenger". As expected by Stasov, who sent the artist to the great writer, Tolstoy saw what others did not see. He really understood the message the messenger was rushing with. Lev Nikolaevich said: “Have you ever crossed a fast river in a boat? You must always steer higher than where you want it to go, otherwise it will blow away. Let your messenger hold the rudder very high, then he will swim.” These words will go to the very depths of the artist’s heart. Many years later, when Roerich would be a world-famous artist, they will be resurrected in his letter to an aspiring painter: “Be simpler and love nature. Simpler, simpler. You do not create because need forced you. Sing like a free bird, you can’t help but sing . Remember, the lark over the fields in the spring! Rings higher! "Date 1897) Homework Find and select illustrations of the ancient city. Prepare a story about ancient Russian cities.

The Old Russian city is a fortified settlement, which at the same time was the military, economic, political, social and cultural center of the entire surrounding territory. Merchants, artisans, monks, painters, etc. settled in the cities.

Founding of ancient Russian cities

The history of Russian cities began with the appearance in a certain place of people who built housing and settled in it for a long time. In the vicinity of ancient cities that have survived to this day (Moscow, Kyiv, Novgorod, Vladimir, etc.) traces have been found early eras, dating back to the Paleolithic. During the Trypillian culture in the territory future Russia there were already settlements of several dozen and hundreds of houses and dwellings.

Settlements Ancient Rus', as a rule, were located on elevated places near natural sources water (rivers, springs). They consisted of houses protected from enemy attacks by a log palisade. The predecessors of Russian cities in the Middle Ages are considered to be fortified sanctuaries and shelters (Detinets and the Kremlin), erected by residents of several settlements in the area.

Early medieval cities were founded not only by the Slavs, but also by other tribes: Rostov the Great was founded by the Finno-Ugric tribe, Murom by the Murom tribe, Suzdal, Vladimir were founded by the Merians together with the Slavs. Included Kievan Rus In addition to the Slavs, there were the Baltic and Finno-Ugric peoples, who merged into a single people through political unification.

In the 9th-10th centuries, along with cities of refuge, small fortresses began to appear, and then settlements in which artisans and merchants settled. Exact dates the foundations of early Russian cities are usually established only by the first mentions in the chronicles of those times. Some dates for the founding of cities were established as a result of archaeological excavations of the places where there were ancient Russian cities. Thus, Novgorod and Smolensk are mentioned in chronicles of the 9th century, but cultural layers earlier than the 10th century have not yet been discovered.

The largest cities that began to develop rapidly in the 9th-10th centuries. on the main waterways, are the cities of Polotsk, Kyiv, Novgorod, Smolensk, Izborsk, etc. Their development was directly related to trade carried out at the intersections of roads and waterways.

Ancient fortresses and defensive structures

There were “senior” cities and suburbs (subordinates), which came from settlements from the main cities, and their settlement was carried out according to orders from the capital. Any ancient Russian fortified city consisted of a fortified part and nearby unfortified settlements, around which there were lands used for haymaking, fishing, grazing livestock, and forest areas.

The main protective role was played by earthen ramparts and wooden walls, under which there were ditches. Suitable terrain was used to build defensive fortifications. Thus, most of the fortresses of Ancient Rus' were located in protected areas: hilltops, islands or mountain capes.

An example of such a fortified city is the city of Vyshgorod, located near Kyiv. From the very foundation it was built as a fortress, surrounded by powerful earthen and wooden fortifications with ramparts and a moat. The city was divided into the princely part (Detinets), the Kremlin and the Posad, where the artisans' quarters were located.

The fortress rampart was a complex structure consisting of huge wooden frames (often made of oak) standing end to end, the space between which was filled with stones and earth. The size of such log houses, for example, in Kyiv was 6.7 m, in the transverse part more than 19 m. The height of the earthen rampart could reach 12 m, and the ditch dug in front of it often had the shape of a triangle. At the top there was a parapet with a combat platform, where the defenders of the fortress were located, who shot at enemies and threw stones. Wooden towers were built at turning points.

The only entrance to the ancient fortress was through a special bridge laid over the moat. The bridge was placed on supports, which were destroyed during attacks. Later they began to build drawbridges.

Internal structure of the fortress

Old Russian cities 10th-13th centuries have already had difficult internal structure, which developed as the territory increased and united various fortified parts along with the settlements. The layout of cities was different: radial, radial-circular or linear (along a river or road).

The main social and economic centers of the ancient city:

• Church residence and Vechevaya square.
• Prince's court.
• Port and trading area next to it.

The center of the city is the detinets or kremlin with fortified walls, ramparts and a moat. Gradually, socio-political administration was grouped in this place, the princely courts, the city cathedral, the dwellings of servants and squads, as well as artisans were located. The street layout consisted of highways that ran along the river bank or perpendicular to it.

Roads and utilities

Each ancient Russian city had its own plan, according to which roads and communications were laid. The engineering device for that time was at a fairly high level.

Wooden pavements were built, consisting of longitudinal logs (10-12 m long) and wooden logs, split in half, with the flat side up, laid on top. The pavements had a width of 3.5-4 m, and in the 13-14th centuries. already 4-5 m and usually functioned for 15-30 years.

The drainage systems of ancient Russian cities were of 2 types:

• "sewage" that diverted groundwater from under buildings, consisting of barrels for collecting water and wooden pipes through which water flowed into the reservoir;
• a catch basin - a square wooden frame, from which dirty water then flowed down a thick pipe towards the river.

Structure of an urban estate

The estate in the city consisted of several residential buildings and outbuildings. The area of ​​such yards ranged from 300 to 800 square meters. m. Each estate was fenced with a wooden fence from neighbors and the street, which was made in the form of a palisade made of spruce logs sticking out up to 2.5 m high. Inside it, residential buildings stood on one side, and economic ones (cellar, medusha, cage, cowshed, granary, stable, bathhouse, etc.). A hut was any heated building with a stove.

The ancient dwellings that made up the ancient Russian city began their existence as semi-dugouts (10th-11th centuries), then above-ground buildings with several rooms (12th century). Houses were built on 1-3 floors. The semi-dugouts had a pillar structure of walls up to 5 m long each and up to 0.8 m deep; a round clay or stone oven was placed near the entrance. The floors were made of clay or planks, and the door was always located on the south wall. The roof was a gable roof made of wood, which was coated with clay on top.

Old Russian architecture and religious buildings

Cities in Ancient Rus' were places where monumental buildings were built, which were mainly associated with the Christian religion. The traditions and rules for the construction of ancient temples came to Rus' from Byzantium, which is why they were built according to a cross-dome design. Temples were erected by order of wealthy princes and the Orthodox Church itself.

The first monumental buildings were tithe churches, the oldest of which has survived to this day is the Spasskaya Church in Chernigov (1036). Starting from the 11th century, more complex temples with galleries, staircase towers, and several domes began to be built. Ancient architects sought to make the interior expressive and colorful. An example of such a temple is the St. Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv; similar cathedrals were erected in Novgorod and Polotsk.

A little different, but bright and original, it has developed architecture school in the North-East of Rus', which is characterized by many decorative carved elements, slender proportions and plasticity of facades. One of the masterpieces of that time is the Church of the Intercession on the Nerl (1165).

Population of ancient Russian cities

The bulk of the city's population are artisans, fishermen, day laborers, merchants, the prince and his squad, the administration and the lord's "servants", an important role in connection with the baptism of Rus' began to be played by the clergy (monks and churchmen). Very large group The population consisted of all kinds of craft people who settled according to their specialties: blacksmiths, gunsmiths, jewelers, carpenters, weavers and tailors, tanners, potters, masons, etc.

In every city there was always a market through which the purchase and sale of all produced and imported goods and products was carried out.

The largest ancient Russian city was Kyiv in the 12th-13th centuries. numbered 30-40 thousand people, Novgorod - 20-30 thousand. Smaller cities: Chernigov, Vladimir, Polotsk, Smolensk, Rostov, Vitebsk, Ryazan and others had a population of several thousand people. The number of people living in smaller towns rarely exceeded 1 thousand people.

The largest lands of Ancient Rus': Volyn, Galician, Kiev, Novgorod, Polotsk, Rostov-Suzdal, Ryazan, Smolensk, Turovo-Pinsk, Chernigov.

History of Novgorod land

In terms of the territory covered by the Novgorod land (north and east of the living Finno-Ugric tribes), it was considered the most extensive Russian possession, including the suburbs of Pskov, Staraya Russa, Velikie Luki, Ladoga and Torzhok. Already by the end of the 12th century. this included Perm, Pechora, Yugra (Northern Urals). All cities had a clear hierarchy, dominated by Novgorod, which owned the most important trade routes: merchant caravans coming from the Dnieper, passing to Sweden and Denmark, as well as leading to the northeastern princely fiefs through the Volga and to Bulgaria.

The wealth of Novgorod merchants increased due to trade in inexhaustible forest resources, but agriculture on this land was barren, so grain was brought to Novgorod from neighboring principalities. The population of the Novgorod land was engaged in cattle breeding, growing cereals, garden and vegetable crops. Trades were very developed: fur, walrus, etc.

Political life of Novgorod

According to archaeological excavations by the 13th century. Novgorod was a large fortified and well-organized city, inhabited by artisans and merchant people. His political life was controlled by local boyars. On these lands in Ancient Rus', very large boyar landholdings developed, which consisted of 30-40 clans that monopolized many government positions.

The free population, which included the Novgorod land, was the boyars, living people (small landowners), merchants, traders and artisans. And the dependents included slaves and stinkers. Characteristic feature life of Novgorod - the calling of the prince through the execution of a contract for reign, and he was chosen only to make judicial decisions and military leadership in the event of an attack. All the princes were visitors from Tver, Moscow and other cities, and each tried to tear away some volosts from the Novgorod land, which is why they were immediately replaced. Over 200 years, 58 princes changed in the city.

Political rule in these lands was carried out by the Novgorod Veche, which, in essence, represented a federation of self-governing communities and corporations. Political history Novgorod developed successfully precisely due to the participation in all processes of all groups of the population, from the boyars to the “black people”. However, in 1418, the discontent of the lower classes culminated in their uprising, in which residents rushed to destroy the rich houses of the boyars. Bloodshed was avoided only through the intervention of the clergy, who resolved the dispute through the courts.

Heyday Novgorod Republic, which existed for more than one century, raised a large and beautiful city to the level of medieval European settlements, architecture and military force whom his contemporaries admired. As a western outpost, Novgorod successfully repelled all attacks of the German knights, preserving the national identity of the Russian land.

History of the land of Polotsk

Polotsk land covered in the 10th-12th centuries. the territory from the Western Dvina River to the sources of the Dnieper, creating a river route between the Baltic and the Black Sea. The largest cities of this land in the early Middle Ages: Vitebsk, Borisov, Lukoml, Minsk, Izyaslavl, Orsha, etc.

The Polotsk inheritance was created by the Izyaslavich dynasty at the beginning of the 11th century, which secured it for itself, abandoning claims to Kyiv. The very appearance of the phrase “Polotsk land” was already marked in the 12th century. separation of this territory from Kyiv.

At this time, the Vseslavich dynasty ruled the land, but there were also redistributions of tables, which ultimately led to the collapse of the principality. The next Vasilkovich dynasty already ruled Vitebsk, displacing the Polotsk princes.

In those days, Lithuanian tribes were also subordinate to Polotsk, and the city itself was often threatened with attack by its neighbors. The history of this land is very confusing and little confirmed by sources. The Polotsk princes often fought with Lithuania, and sometimes acted as its ally (for example, during the capture of the city of Velikiye Luki, which at that time belonged to the Novgorod land).

Polotsk troops made frequent raids on many Russian lands, and in 1206 they launched an assault on Riga, but unsuccessfully. By the beginning of the 13th century. in this region the influence of the Livonian swordsmen increases and Smolensk Principality, then there is a massive invasion of the Lithuanians, who by 1240 subjugate the Polotsk lands. Then, after the war with Smolensk, the city of Polotsk came into the possession of Prince Tovtiwill, by the end of whose principality (1252) Old Russian period history of Polotsk land.

Old Russian cities and their role in history

Old Russian medieval cities were founded as human settlements located at the crossroads of trade routes and rivers. Their other goal was to protect residents from attacks by neighbors and enemy tribes. With the development and consolidation of cities, there was an increase in property inequality, the creation of tribal principalities, the expansion of trade and economic ties between cities and their inhabitants, which later influenced the creation and historical development single state- Kievan Rus.

Ancient cities with thousand years of history can surprise you not only with beautiful architecture and unique artifacts. Their old walls contain signs of previous eras and civilizations and show both positive and negative aspects evolution of humanity.

1. Damascus, Syria

The capital of Syria, the city of Damascus, is also the second largest city in the state. Damascus has a population of almost 2 million inhabitants. The city is very well located between Africa and Asia, and this is advantageous geographical location at the crossroads of West and East, make the Syrian capital an important cultural, commercial and administrative center states.

The city's history begins around 2,500 BC, although the exact historical period settlement of Damascus is still unknown to scientists. The architecture of the buildings is varied and is 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 is all the more in contrast to 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 Western civilization with a population of about 3 million people. The history of the ancient city dates back more than 7,000 years, and its architecture bears the influence of Byzantine, Ottoman and Roman civilizations.

Athens - birthplace greatest writers, playwrights, outstanding philosophers and artists. Modern Athens is a cosmopolitan city, culturally popular, political and industrial center Greece. The historical 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 site research center, it is full of historical museums, including the National Archaeological Museum, the Christian and Byzantine Museums, and 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 location.

3. Byblos, Lebanon

Ancient city of Byblos ( modern name Jbeil) is another cradle of many civilizations. This is one of ancient cities Phenicia, 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, since Byblos was an important seaport at that time through which papyrus was imported.

Currently, Byblos is a harmonious fusion of a modern city and ancient buildings and is a popular tourist destination, thanks to ancient fortresses and temples, a picturesque view of the Mediterranean Sea, ancient ruins and a port, which people come from all over the world to see.

4. Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem is the most visited ancient city in the Middle East and is the most important religious center in the world. It is a holy place for Christians, Jews and Muslims, and is currently home to about 800,000 people, 60% of whom practice Judaism.

Throughout its history, Jerusalem has experienced many great tragic events, including sieges and destruction caused by the bloody Crusades. The old city was founded about 4,000 years ago and is strictly divided into four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian. The hardest place for tourists to get into is the isolated Armenian quarter.

In 1981, the Old Town was listed world heritage UNESCO. Jerusalem is not just a city, for Jews all over the world it symbolizes home, a place where you want to return after long wanderings.

5. Varanasi, India

India – mystical country, the birthplace of 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’s even twice as old as everyone else.” ancient legends and the traditions of India, put together."

Modern Varanasi is an outstanding religious and cultural center, home to famous musicians, poets and writers. Here you can buy the highest quality fabric, excellent perfumes, stunningly beautiful products from ivory, famous Indian silk and jewelry great job.

6. Cholula, Mexico

More than 2,500 years ago, the ancient city of Cholula was founded from numerous scattered villages. 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, Cholule began to develop rapidly. Great conqueror Mexico and conquistador Hernán Cortés called Cholula “the most beautiful city outside Spain."
Today, it is a small colonial town with a population of 60,000 people, the main attraction of which is Great Pyramid Cholula with a sanctuary on top. This is one of the largest man-made monuments ever built by man.

7. Jericho, Palestine

Today, Jericho is a small town with a population of about 20,000 inhabitants. In the Bible it is called the “city of palm trees.” indicate that the first people began to settle here almost 11,000 years ago.

Jericho is located almost in the center of Palestine, making it an ideal location 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 which it remained deserted for several centuries.

For almost the entire 20th century, Jericho was occupied by Israel and Jordan until it again became part of Palestine 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 largest city in Syria, home to about 2.3 million people. The city has a very favorable geographical location, being in the center of the Great Silk Road, which connected Asia and the Mediterranean. The history of Aleppo goes back more than 8,000 years, although archaeologists claim that the first people settled in this area 13,000 ago.

In various historical eras, this ancient city was under the rule of the Byzantines, Romans and Ottomans. As a result, the buildings of Aleppo combine several different architectural styles. Locals Aleppo is called the “soul of Syria.”

9. Plovdiv, Bulgaria

The history of the city of Plovdiv dates back to 4000 BC. and for many centuries, this oldest city in Europe was under the rule of 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 stroll through the Old Town, where numerous ancient monuments are preserved. There is even a Roman amphitheater built here by Emperor Trajan in the 2nd century AD! There are many beautiful churches and temples, unique museums and monuments, and if you want to get a little touch of ancient history, be sure to visit this place.

10. Luoyang, China

While most ancient cities are located in the Mediterranean, Luoyang stands out from this list as the oldest, continuously populated city in Asia. Luoyang is considered the geographical center of China, the cradle of Chinese culture and history. People settled here almost 4,000 years ago, and now Luoyang is one of the largest cities China with a population of 7,000,000 people.

During the development of civilization, people united their scattered homes. This is how cities appeared. History has erected great settlements and just as mercilessly wiped them off the face of the Earth. Only a few cities were able to pass through the centuries, enduring all the blows of fate. The walls have stood in the sun and rain, they have seen eras come and go.

These cities became silent witnesses to how our civilization was revived and fell into decline. Today, not all the great cities of the past continue to provide shelter to people; many simply lie in ruins or have completely disappeared from the face of the Earth.

The British newspaper The Guardian selected 15 of the most ancient cities in the world, each of which has its own unique architecture and unusual history. These places have so much ancient history that dates can only be given as approximate dates; historians are debating around them. So where does a person live continuously the longest?

Jericho, Palestinian Territories. This settlement appeared here 11 thousand years ago. This is the oldest residential city in the world, which was repeatedly mentioned in the Bible. Jericho is also known in ancient texts as the “city of palm trees.” Archaeologists found here the remains of 20 consecutive settlements, which made it possible to determine the venerable age of the city. The city is located near the Jordan River, on the western bank. Even today, about 20 thousand people live here. And the ruins ancient Jericho located west of the center of the modern city. Archaeologists were able to discover here the remains of a large tower from the pre-ceramic Neolithic period (8400-7300 BC). Jericho contains burial sites from the Chalcolithic period and city walls dating back to the Bronze Age. Perhaps they were the ones who fell to the loud trumpets of the Israelites, giving rise to the phrase “the trumpets of Jericho.” In the city you can find the ruins of the winter palace-residence of King Herod the Great with swimming pools, baths, and lavishly decorated halls. The mosaic on the floor of the synagogue, dating back to the 5th-6th centuries, has also been preserved here. And at the foot of the Tel al-Sultan hill is the source of the prophet Elisha. Historians believe that the neighboring hills of Jericho hide many archaeological treasures comparable to the Valley of the Kings in Egypt.

Byblos, Lebanon. The settlement in this place is about 7 thousand years old. The city of Gebal, mentioned in the Bible, was founded by the Phoenicians. He received his other name, Byblos (Byblos), from the Greeks. The fact is that the city supplied them with papyrus, which was called “byblos” in Greek. The city has been known since the 4th millennium BC. Byblos became famous for its temples of Baal; the cult of the god Adonis originated here. It was from here that it spread to Greece. The ancient Egyptians wrote that it was in this city that Isis found the body of Osiris in wooden box. The main tourist attractions of the city are the ancient Phoenician temples, the temple of St. John the Baptist, built by the crusaders in the 12th century, the city castle and the remains of the city wall. Now here, 32 kilometers from Beirut, is the Arab city of Jebeil.

Aleppo, Syria. Archaeologists believe that people settled here in 4300 BC. Today this city is the most populous in Syria, with a population approaching 4 million. It was formerly known as Halpe or Khalibon. For many centuries, Aleppo was the third largest city in the Ottoman Empire, second only to Constantinople and Cairo. The origin of the city's name is not entirely clear. Presumably "haleb" means copper or iron. The fact is that in ancient times there was a large center for their production here. In Aramaic, "halaba" means "white", which refers to the color of the soil in the area and the abundance of marble rocks. And Aleppo received its current name from the Italians who visited here with crusades. Ancient Aleppo is evidenced by Hittite inscriptions, Mari inscriptions in the Euphrates, in central Anatolia and in the city of Ebla. These ancient texts speak of the city as an important military and commercial center. For the Hittites, Aleppo had special significance, as it was the center of worship of the weather god. IN economically the city has always been an important place. The Great Silk Road passed here. Aleppo has always been a tasty morsel for invaders - it belonged to the Greeks, Persians, Assyrians, Romans, Arabs, Turks and even the Mongols. Right here great Tamerlane ordered the erection of a tower of 20 thousand skulls. With the opening of the Suez Canal, Aleppo's role as a commercial center became smaller. The city is currently undergoing a renaissance and is one of the most beautiful places in the Middle East.

Damascus, Syria. Many people think so. That Damascus is worthy of the title of the oldest city in the world. Although there is an opinion that people lived here 12 thousand years ago, another date of settlement seems more truthful - 4300 BC. The medieval Arab historian Ibn Asakir in XII argued that after Flood The first wall erected was the Damascus Wall. He attributed the very birth of the city to the 4th millennium BC. The first historical evidence about Damascus dates back to the 15th century BC. Then the city was under the rule of Egypt and its pharaohs. Later, Damascus was part of Assyria, the Neo-Babylonian kingdom, Persia, the empire of Alexander the Great, and after his death, part of the Hellenistic kingdom of the Seleucids. The city flourished during the Aramaic era. They created a whole network in the city water channels, which are still the basis of modern water supply networks in Damascus. Urban agglomeration today there are 2.5 million people. In 2008 Damascus was recognized cultural capital Arab world.

Susa, Iran. The settlement in this place is already 6200 years old. And the first traces of humans in Susa date back to 7000 BC. The city is located on the territory of modern Khuzestan province in Iran. Susa entered history as the capital of the ancient state of Elam. The Sumerians wrote about the city in their early documents. Thus, the works “Enmerkar and the Ruler of Aratta” say that Susa was dedicated to the deity Inanna, the patroness of Uruk. There are repeated mentions of the ancient city in the Old Testament, its name appears especially often in the Scriptures. The prophets Daniel and Nehemiah lived here during the Babylonian captivity in the 6th century BC; Esther became queen in the city and saved her from persecution by the Jews. The Elamite state ceased to exist with the victories of Ashurbanipal, Susa itself was plundered, which was not the first time that happened. The son of Cyrus the Great made Susa the capital of the Persian kingdom. However, this state also ceased to exist, thanks to Alexander the Great. The city has lost its former significance. Susa was later destroyed by Muslims and Mongols, as a result of which life barely glimmered in it. Today the city is called Shusha, about 65 thousand people live in it.

Faiyum, Egypt. This city has a history of 6 thousand years. It is located southwest of Cairo, in the oasis of the same name, occupying part of Crocodilopolis. In this ancient place The Egyptians worshiped the sacred Sobek, the crocodile god. The pharaohs of the 12th dynasty loved to visit Fayyum, then the city was called Shedit. This fact follows from the remainder burial pyramids and the temples found by Flinders Petrie. In Fayoum there was the same famous Labyrinth that Herodotus described. In general, quite a lot was found in this area archaeological finds. But world fame went to Fayum drawings. They were made using the enacoustic technique and were funerary portraits from the times of Roman Egypt. Currently, the population of the city of Al-Fayoum is more than 300 thousand people.

Sidon, Lebanon. People founded their first settlement here in 4000 BC. Sidon is located 25 kilometers south of Beirut on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. This city was one of the most significant and oldest Phoenician cities. It was he who was the heart of that empire. In the X-IX centuries BC. Sidon was the largest trading center of that world. In the Bible he was called the “firstborn of Canaan,” the brother of an Amorite and a Hittite. It is believed that both Jesus and the Apostle Paul visited Sidon. And in 333 BC. the city was captured by Alexander the Great. Today the city is called Saida and is home to Shiite and Sunni Muslims. It is the third largest city in Lebanon with a population of 200 thousand people.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria. This city also arose 4 thousand years BC. Today it is the second largest in Bulgaria and one of the oldest in Europe. Even Athens, Rome, Carthage and Constantinople are younger than Plovdiv. The Roman historian Ammianus Marcellinus said that the first name for this settlement was given by the Thracians - Eumolpiada. In 342 BC. The city was conquered by Philip II of Macedon, the father of the legendary conqueror. The king named the settlement Philippopolis in honor of himself, but the Thracians pronounced this word as Pulpudeva. From the 6th century, the city began to be controlled by Slavic tribes. In 815 it became part of the First Bulgarian Kingdom under the name Pyldin. For the next few centuries, these lands passed from hand to hand from the Bulgarians to the Byzantines, until the Ottoman Turks captured it for a long time. Four times the crusaders came to Plovdiv and plundered the city. Currently, the city is an important cultural center. There are many ruins here that testify to its rich history. The Roman aqueduct and amphitheater, as well as the Ottoman baths, stand out here. About 370 thousand people now live in Plovdiv.

Gaziantep, Türkiye. This settlement appeared around 3650 BC. It is located in the south of Turkey, near the Syrian border. Gaziantep dates back to the times of the Hittites. Until February 1921, the city was called Antep, and the Turkish parliament gave the prefix gazi to the residents for their services during the battles for the country's independence. Today more than 800 thousand people live here. Gaziantep is among the most important ancient centers in southeastern Anatolia. This city lies between Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia. Here the roads between the south, north, west and east intersected, and the Great Silk Road passed through. To this day, in Gaziantep you can find historical relics from the times of the Assyrians, Hittites, and the era of Alexander the Great. With the rise of the Ottoman Empire, the city experienced times of prosperity.

Beirut, Lebanon. People began to live in Beirut 3 thousand years before the birth of Christ. Today this city is the capital of Lebanon, the economic, cultural and administrative center of the country. And the Phoenicians founded Lebanon, choosing rocky land in the middle of the Mediterranean coast of the modern territory of Lebanon. It is believed that the name of the city comes from the word "birot", meaning "well". For a long time, Beirut remained in the background in the region, behind its more significant neighbors - Tire and Sidon. It was only during the Roman Empire that the city became influential. There was a famous school of law here, which developed the main postulates of the Justinian Code. Over time, this document will become the basis European system rights. In 635, Beirut was occupied by the Arabs, incorporating the city into the Arab Caliphate. In 1100 the city was captured by the Crusaders, and in 1516 by the Turks. Until 1918, Beirut was part of the Ottoman Empire. In the last century, the city with a proud history has become an important cultural, financial and intellectual center in the Eastern Mediterranean. And since 1941, Beirut became the capital of a new independent state - the Lebanese Republic.

Jerusalem, Israel/Palestinian Territories. This great city without a doubt was founded in 2800 BC. Jerusalem was able to become both the spiritual center of the Jewish people and the third holy city of Islam. In the city large number important religious sites, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher al-Aqsa. It is not surprising that there were constant attempts to conquer Jerusalem. As a result, the history of the city includes 23 sieges and 52 attacks. It was captured 44 times and destroyed 2 times. The ancient city lies on the watershed between the Dead Sea and the Mediterranean, in the spurs of the Judean Mountains at an altitude of 650-840 meters above sea level. The first settlements in this area date back to the 4th millennium BC. IN Old Testament Jerusalem is spoken of as the capital of the Jebusites. This population lived in Judea even before the Jews. It was they who founded the city, settling it initially. There is also a mention of Jerusalem on Egyptian figurines of the 20th-19th centuries BC. There, among the curses against hostile cities, Rushalimum was mentioned. In the 11th century BC. Jerusalem was occupied by the Jews, who proclaimed it the capital of the Kingdom of Israel, and from the 10th century BC. - Jewish. After 400 years, the city was captured by Babylon, then it was ruled by the Persian Empire. Jerusalem changed owners many times - these were the Romans, Arabs, Egyptians, and Crusaders. From 1517 to 1917, the city was part of the Ottoman Empire, after which it came under the jurisdiction of Great Britain. Now Jerusalem, with a population of 800 thousand people, is the capital of Israel.

Tire, Lebanon. This city was founded in 2750 BC. Tire was a famous Phoenician city and a major trading center. The date of its foundation was named by Herodotus himself. And there was a settlement on the territory of modern Lebanon. In 332 BC. Tire was taken by the troops of Alexander the Great, which required a seven-month siege. From 64 BC Tire became a Roman province. It is believed that the Apostle Paul lived here for some time. In the Middle Ages, Tire became known as one of the most impregnable fortresses in the Middle East. It was in this city that Frederick Barbarossa, King of Germany and Holy Roman Emperor, was buried in 1190. Now in the place of the great ancient settlement there is a small town called Sur. It no longer has much significance; trade began to be conducted through Beirut.

Erbil, Iraq. This settlement is already 4300 years old. It is located north of the Iraqi city of Kirkuk. Erbil is the capital of the Iraqi unrecognized state of Kurdistan. Throughout its history this city belonged to different peoples- Assyrians, Persians, Sassanians, Arabs and Turks. Archaeological research has confirmed that people have lived in this area without interruption for more than 6 thousand years. This is most eloquently evidenced by the Citadel Hill. It represents the remains of former settlements. There was a wall around it, which was created in pre-Islamic times. When Erbil was under Persian rule, Greek sources called it Hawler or Arbela. The Royal Road passed through it, which went from the very center of the Persian center to the coast of the Aegean Sea. Erbil was also a transit point on the Great Silk Road. To this day, the ancient city citadel, 26 meters high, is visible from afar.

Kirkuk, Iraq. This city appeared in 2200 BC. It is located 250 kilometers north of Baghdad. Kirkuk is located on the site of an ancient Hurrian and Assyrian capital Arrapha. The city had an important strategic position, so three empires fought for it at once - Babylon, Assyria and Media. It was they who shared control of Kirkuk for a long time. Even today there are still ruins here that are 4 thousand years old. The modern city, thanks to its proximity to the richest field, has become the oil capital of Iraq. About a million people live here today.

Balkh, Afghanistan. This ancient city appeared around the 15th century BC. Balkh became the first large settlement that the Indo-Aryans created during their transition from the Amu Darya. This city became a large and traditional center of Zoroastrianism; it is believed that it was here that Zarathustra was born. In late antiquity, Balkh became an important center of Hinayana. Historians said that in the 7th century there were more than a hundred Buddhist monasteries in the city, with 30 thousand monks living in them alone. The largest temple was Navbahar, its name translated from Sanskrit means “new monastery”. There was a huge Buddha statue there. In 645 the city was first captured by the Arabs. However, after the robbery they left Balkh. In 715, the Arabs returned here, having settled in the city for a long time. Further history Balkha knew the arrival of the Mongols and Timur, however, even Marco Polo, describing the city, called it “great and worthy.” In the 16th-19th centuries, the Persians, the Bukhara Khanate and the Afghans fought for Balkh. Bloody wars ended only with the transfer of the city to the rule of the Afghan Emir in 1850. Today this place is considered the center of the cotton industry; leather is well tanned here, producing “Persian sheepskin.” And 77 thousand people live in the city.