The most ancient settlements in the world. The most ancient cities of East Asia

Many ancient cities claim the right to be called the first city on Earth. We will talk about the two oldest and most ancient cities, according to archaeologists and historians. These two cities are Jericho and Hamukar. These cities existed thousands of years ago.

Jericho

First of all, the definition of “ancient city” refers to Jericho, an oasis near the place where the Jordan River flows into the Dead Sea. The city of Jericho, widely known in the Bible, is located here - the same one whose walls once fell from the sound of the trumpets of Joshua.

According to biblical tradition, the Israelites began the conquest of Canaan from Jericho and, after the death of Moses, under the leadership of Joshua, crossing the Jordan, they stood at the walls of this city. The townspeople, hiding behind the city walls, were convinced that the city was impregnable. But the Israelis used an extraordinary military stratagem. They walked around the city walls in a silent crowd six times, and on the seventh they shouted in unison and blew the trumpets, so loudly that the formidable walls collapsed. This is where the expression “Trumpet of Jericho” comes from.

Jericho is fed by the water of the powerful spring Ain es-Sultan (“Source of the Sultan”), to which the city owes its existence. The Arabs call the name of this source a hill north of modern Jericho - Tell es-Sultan (“Mountain of the Sultan”). Already at the end of the 19th century it attracted the attention of archaeologists and is still considered one of the most important places archaeological finds objects of the early historical period.

In 1907 and 1908, a group of German and Austrian researchers, led by Professors Ernst Sellin and Karl Watzinger, first began excavations at Mount Sultana. They came across two parallel fortress walls, built from sun-dried bricks. The outer wall had a thickness of 2 m and a height of 8-10 m, and the thickness of the inner wall reached 3.5 m.

Archaeologists have determined that these walls were built between 1400 and 1200 BC. It is clear that they were quickly identified with those walls that, as the Bible reports, collapsed from the powerful sounds of the trumpets of the Israelite tribes. However, during the excavations, archaeologists came across the remains of construction debris, which were of even greater interest to science than the finds that confirmed the Bible’s information about the war. But the First World War suspended further scientific research.

More than twenty years passed before a group of Englishmen, led by Professor John Garstang, was able to continue their research. New excavations began in 1929 and lasted about ten years.

In 1935-1936 Garstang encountered the lowest layers of Stone Age settlements.

He discovered a cultural layer older than the 5th millennium BC, dating back to a time when people did not yet know pottery. But people of this era already led a sedentary lifestyle.

The work of Garstang's expedition was interrupted due to the difficult political situation. And only after the end of World War II did English archaeologists return to Jericho. This time the expedition was led by Dr. Kathleen M. Canyon, with whose activities all further discoveries in this ancient city in the world are associated. To participate in the excavations, the British invited German anthropologists who had been working in Jericho for several years.

In 1953, archaeologists led by Kathleen Canyon managed to make outstanding discovery, which completely changed our ideas about early history humanity. Researchers made their way through 40 (!) cultural layers and discovered buildings of the Neolithic period with huge buildings dating back to the time when, it would seem, only nomadic tribes should have lived on Earth, earning their food by hunting and collecting plants and fruits. The results of excavations showed that approximately 10 thousand years ago a qualitative leap was made in the eastern Mediterranean associated with the transition to the artificial cultivation of cereals. This led to sudden changes in culture and lifestyle.

The discovery of early agricultural Jericho was an archeological sensation in the 1950s. Systematic excavations here revealed whole line successive layers, combined into two complexes - pre-ceramic Neolithic A (8th millennium BC) and pre-ceramic Neolithic B (7th millennium BC).

Today, Jericho A is considered the first urban settlement discovered in the Old World. The earliest of the known to science permanent buildings, burials and sanctuaries, built from earth or small round unbaked bricks.

The pre-ceramic Neolithic settlement A occupied an area of ​​about 4 hectares and was surrounded by a powerful defensive wall made of stone. Adjoining it was a massive round stone tower. Initially, researchers assumed that this was a tower of a fortress wall. But obviously it was a structure special purpose, which combined many functions, including the function of a guard post to monitor the surrounding area.

Protected by a stone wall, there were round, tent-like houses on stone foundations with walls made of mud brick, one surface of which was convex (this type of brick is called "pork's back"). To more accurately determine the age of these structures, the latest scientific methods, for example, the radiocarbon (radiocarbon) method.
Nuclear physicists, when studying isotopes, found that it is possible to determine the age of objects by the ratio of radioactive and stable carbon isotopes. Through sounding, it was found that the oldest walls of this city date back to the 8th millennium, that is, their age is approximately 10 thousand years. Even more ancient age had a sanctuary discovered as a result of excavations - 9551 BC.

There is no doubt that Jericho A, with its settled population and developed construction industry, was one of the first early agricultural settlements on Earth. Based on the many years of research carried out here, historians received a completely new picture of the development and technical capabilities that humanity had 10 thousand years ago.

The transformation of Jericho from a small primitive settlement with miserable huts and huts into a real city with an area of ​​at least 3 hectares and a population of more than 2000 people is associated with the transition of the local population from simple gathering of edible cereals to agriculture - growing wheat and barley. At the same time, the researchers found that this revolutionary step was taken not as a result of some kind of introduction from the outside, but was the result of the development of the tribes living here: archaeological excavations Jericho showed that in the period between the culture of the original settlement and the culture of the new city, which was built at the turn of the 9th and 8th millennia BC, life here did not interrupt.

At first, the town was not fortified, but with the advent of strong neighbors, fortress walls became necessary to protect against attacks. The appearance of fortifications speaks not only of the confrontation between different tribes, but also of the accumulation by the inhabitants of Jericho of certain material values ​​that attracted the greedy gaze of their neighbors. What were these values? Archaeologists have answered this question as well. Probably, the main source of income for the townspeople was barter trade: a well-located city controlled the main resources Dead Sea- salt, bitumen and sulfur. Obsidian, jade and diorite from Anatolia, turquoise from the Sinai Peninsula, cowrie shells from the Red Sea were found in Jericho - all these goods were highly valued during the Neolithic period.

The fact that Jericho was a powerful urban center is evidenced by its defensive fortifications. Without the use of picks and hoes, a ditch 8.5 m wide and 2.1 m deep was cut into the rock. Behind the ditch rose a stone wall 1.64 m thick, preserved at a height of 3.94 m. Its original height probably reached 5 m , and above there was a masonry of mud bricks.

The excavations revealed a large round stone tower with a diameter of 7 m, preserved to a height of 8.15 m, with an internal staircase carefully constructed from single meter-wide stone slabs. The tower contained grain storage and clay-lined cisterns to collect rainwater.

The stone tower of Jericho was probably built at the beginning of the 8th millennium BC. and lasted for a very long time. When it ceased to be used for its intended purpose, crypts for burials began to be built in its internal passage, and the former storage facilities were used as dwellings. These rooms were often rebuilt. One of them, destroyed in a fire, dates back to 6935 BC

After this, archaeologists counted four more periods of existence in the history of the tower, and then city ​​wall collapsed and began to erode. Apparently, the city was already deserted at this time.

The construction of a powerful defensive system required a huge amount of labor, the use of significant labor and the presence of some central government for organizing and managing work. Researchers estimate the population of this first city in the world at two thousand people, and this figure may be underestimated.

What did these first citizens of the Earth look like and how did they live?

An analysis of the skulls and bone remains found in Jericho showed that 10 thousand years ago, short people - just over 150 cm - with elongated skulls (dolichocephalians), who belonged to the so-called Euro-African race, lived here. They built oval-shaped dwellings from lumps of clay, the floors of which were recessed below ground level. The house was entered through a doorway with wooden jambs. There were several steps leading down. Most houses consisted of a single round or oval room with a diameter of 4-5 m, covered with a vault of intertwined rods. The ceiling, walls and floor were covered with clay. The floors in the houses were carefully leveled, sometimes painted and polished.

The inhabitants of ancient Jericho used stone and bone tools, did not know ceramics and ate wheat and barley, the grains of which were ground on stone grain grinders with stone pestles. From eating too much food, which consisted of cereals and legumes ground in stone mortars, these people’s teeth completely wore out.

Despite a more comfortable habitat than that of primitive hunters, their life was extremely difficult, and average age the inhabitants of Jericho did not exceed 20 years. Infant mortality was very high, and only a few lived to be 40-45 years old. People older than this age ancient Jericho, obviously, there was none at all.

The townspeople buried their dead right under the floors of their homes, wearing iconic plaster masks with cowrie shells inserted into the eyes of the masks on their skulls.

It is curious that in the oldest graves of Jericho (6500 BC), archaeologists mostly find headless skeletons. Apparently, the skulls were separated from the corpses and buried separately. The cultic beheading is known in many parts of the world and has been practiced down to our time. Here, in Jericho, scientists apparently encountered one of the earliest manifestations of this cult.

During this “pre-ceramic” period, the inhabitants of Jericho did not use earthenware - they replaced it with stone vessels, carved mainly from limestone. Probably, the townspeople also used all kinds of wickerwork and leather containers like wineskins.

Not knowing how to sculpt pottery, the ancient inhabitants of Jericho at the same time sculpted animal figures and other images from clay. In residential buildings and tombs of Jericho, many clay figurines of animals were found, as well as stucco images of the phallus. The cult of masculinity was widespread in ancient Palestine, and its images are found in other places.

In one of the layers of Jericho, archaeologists discovered a kind of ceremonial hall with six wooden pillars. It was probably a sanctuary - a primitive predecessor of the future temple. Inside this room and in close proximity Archaeologists did not find any household items from him, but they found numerous clay figurines of animals - horses, cows, sheep, goats, pigs and models of male genital organs.

The most amazing discovery in Jericho was the stucco figurines of people. They are made from local limestone clay called "hawara" with a reed frame. These figurines are of normal proportions, but flat in front. Nowhere, except for Jericho, have such figurines been encountered by archaeologists before.

Life-size group sculptures of men, women and children were also found in one of the prehistoric layers of Jericho. They were made using cement-like clay, which was spread on a reed frame. These figures were still very primitive and flat: after all, plastic art was preceded for many centuries by rock paintings or images on cave walls. The figures found show what big interest The inhabitants of Jericho showed the miracle of the origin of life and the creation of a family - this was one of the first and most powerful impressions of prehistoric man.
the emergence of Jericho - the first urban center - indicates the emergence tall shapes public organization Even the invasion of more backward tribes from the north in the 5th millennium BC. could not interrupt this process, which ultimately led to the creation of highly developed ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Middle East.

Hamukar

The ruins of a city that scientists believe is at least 6,000 years old have been discovered in Syria. The discovery actually changed traditional ideas about the appearance of cities and civilization on Earth in general. It forces us to consider the spread of civilization in a new light, starting from an earlier time. Before this discovery, cities dating back to 4000 BC were discovered only in ancient Sumer - between the Tigris and Euphrates rivers in the territory of modern Iraq, but the last, most ancient, was found in the southeastern part of Syria under a huge hill near the village of Hamukar . Mysterious city also called Hamukar.

For the first time, archaeologists began to actively dig the ground here back in the 1920s -1930s. Then they assumed that it was here that Vashshukani was located - the capital of the Mitanni Empire (approximately the 15th century BC), which had not yet been discovered. But no signs of settlement of this area were found then - the “Vashshukan theory” turned out to be untenable.

Many years passed, and scientists again became interested in this place. And not in vain: after all, it is located on one of the most important transport arteries of antiquity - the road from Nineveh to Aleppo, along which travelers and caravans of merchants stretched. This situation, according to scientists, provided a lot of advantages and created excellent preconditions for the development of the city.

Researchers actually discovered signs indicating its existence back in the middle of the 4th millennium BC.

Then the first cities arose one after another in Southern Iraq, and their colonies were formed in Syria.

This time, archaeologists were determined - in the most literal sense - to get to the bottom of the truth. A special Syrian-American expedition was formed to explore Hamukar, the director of which was McGuire Gibson, a leading researcher at the Oriental Institute at the University of Chicago. The first shovel hit the ground in November 1999. The expedition needed to get used to it, settle in, prepare the excavation area, hire local residents for heavy work...

It all started with the compilation detailed map terrain. And only then, with her help, archaeologists began the next, no less painstaking stage of work: it was necessary to carefully - almost with a magnifying glass in hand - examine the entire excavation area, collecting various shards. Such studies would provide a fairly accurate idea of ​​the size and shape of the settlement. And luck really smiled on archaeologists - ancient cities hidden in the ground “fell out” as if from a cornucopia.

The first settlement found dates back to approximately 3209. BC. and occupied an area of ​​about 13 hectares. Gradually it grew, its territory increased to 102 hectares, and subsequently the settlement became one of largest cities that time. Then, based on the items found, other, most interesting places for excavations. In the eastern part of the settlement, archaeologists discovered a building in which pots were fired. And the main result of the inspection of the area was the discovery of a large settlement south of the hill. Its more detailed study confirmed that this territory began to be populated at the beginning of the 4th millennium BC. If all the discovered settlements are recognized as one city, then its area will be more than 250, which is hard to believe. At that time, in the era of the birth of the first urban settlements, such Big city was a real metropolis of antiquity.

Satellites have helped scientists well. The photographs taken from them gave the researchers another idea when, 100 m from the hill, on its northern and eastern sides, they discerned a dark, twisting line, similar to a city wall, while only a small slope was visible on the ground. Further examination showed that the wall could have been located closer to the hill, and the slope was preserved from a ditch that supplied the city with water.

Excavations were carried out in three zones. The first is a trench 60 m long and 3 m wide, running along the northern slope of the hill. Its gradual digging made it possible for archaeologists to examine the development of the settlement in different eras, since each step was 4-5 m lower than the next. So: the lowest layer that scientists reached showed a city 6000 years ago!

On the next level, walls of several houses made of clay bars were discovered, as well as a huge, possibly city wall, 4 meters high and 4 meters thick. The remains of pottery underneath date back to the middle of the 4th millennium BC. Further level goes, dating back to 3200 BC. Ceramics from here refer to the creativity of the peoples of Southern Iraq, which indicates the interaction of the Syrian and Mesopotamian peoples at that time.

These houses are followed by “younger” buildings, built in the 3rd millennium BC. There are already baked brick houses and wells here. Directly above one of the houses there is a later building - from the mid-1st millennium - and then there is a modern cemetery.

Another excavation area was replete with shards. It was divided into sections of five square meters And they carefully “shoveled” all the earth. Archaeologists have discovered houses here with perfectly preserved clay walls. And inside there were a huge amount of things for a long time days gone by- all covered with a thick layer of ash. This created great difficulties for scientists: try to find burnt fragments in the cracks of the floors, in various irregularities and holes.

Soon the sources of such abundant ash were found - in one room the remains of four or five slabs made of clay bars, which were partially burned when the stoves were heated, were excavated. Around the slabs there were remains of barley, wheat, oats, and animal bones. Therefore, power stoves are used for baking bread, brewing beer, cooking meat and other products.

The ceramics discovered here amazed scientists with their diversity: large pots for preparing ordinary food, small vessels, as well as small elegant vessels, the walls of which are equal to the thickness of an ostrich egg shell. Figurines with large eyes were also found in the houses, possibly some deities from the middle of the 4th millennium BC.

But still, 15 seals in the form of carefully drawn animals tell the most complete story about the society of that era. All of them were found in one hole, presumably a grave. Also found here great amount beads made of bone, earthenware, stone and shells, some of which were so small size, which can be assumed: they were not used as necklaces, but were woven or sewn into clothing.

The seals are carved from stone in the shape of animals. One of the largest and most beautiful seals is made in the form of a leopard, the spots on which are made using small pins inserted into drilled holes. A seal was also found, not inferior to a leopard print in beauty - in the form of a horned animal, which, unfortunately, the horns broke off. Large seals are much more varied, but there are far fewer of them than small ones, the main types of which are lion, goat, bear, dog, hare, fish and birds. The larger, more elaborate seals must have belonged to people of great power or wealth, while the smaller ones may have been used by others to denote private property.

In a small pit two meters deep in the north-eastern part of the excavation, just below the surface, the researchers discovered a wall dating back to the 7th century. AD, and a meter lower - the corner of the building, strengthened by a support with two niches. The support was installed next to the door that leads to the east. The door jamb, buttress, niches and south wall are covered with lime. Typically, such supports with niches were installed not near private, but near temple buildings. Pottery fragments found near the temple indicate beginning III millennium BC, that is, the Akkadian period, when the rulers of Akkad, a state in southern Mesopotamia, began expanding into the territory of what is now Syria. Since this is a critical period in the history of Mesopotamia, the place where so many eras are intertwined becomes the main focus of the expedition's forces in the next season.

Previously, historians assumed that the Syrian and Turkish states began to actively develop only after contact with representatives of Uruk - ancient state in Southern Iraq. But the excavations of Hamukar prove that highly developed societies appeared not only in the Tigris-Euphrates valley, but also in other areas at the same time. Some researchers even believe that civilization originally began in Syria. The discovery actually changed traditional ideas about the emergence of cities and civilization in general, forcing us to consider its birth and spread at an earlier time.

While it was previously believed that civilization began in the Uruk period (ca. 4000 BC), there is now evidence of its existence as far back as the Ubaid period (ca. 4500 BC). This means that the development of the first states began before the advent of writing and other phenomena considered criteria for the emergence of civilization. Between different peoples Vital connections began to form, people exchanged experiences. Civilization began to march across the planet with leaps and bounds!

The excavations of Hamukara promise many more discoveries, because this is the only place where the layers of 4000 BC. lie two meters from the surface and even higher.

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Any city has own story creations, but not each of them can boast of centuries-old existence. Some settlements that exist today were formed a very long time ago. The age of many cities has been established with the help of archaeological and historical researchers, whose conclusions indicate the approximate time of their appearance. Based on these data, the rating was compiled: oldest cities in the world, where the most ancient urban settlements of our planet are considered.

This city is known to many residents of all countries, as it contains holy places of Jews, Christians and Muslims. It is also called the city of peace and the city of three religions. The first traces of humans on the territory of Jerusalem appeared already in 2800 BC. e., therefore it can rightfully be considered one of the oldest cities in the world.

During its history, Jerusalem has gone through multiple wars, two times they tried to completely destroy it, but to this day it delights us with its grandeur and beauty and happily welcomes pilgrims from all over the world. In Jerusalem, centuries-old traditions of different peoples are amazingly mixed, which is expressed in historical monuments, the culture of local residents and unique architecture.

Beirut ranks 9th in the ranking of the oldest cities in the world. According to various sources, the city appeared 3000-5000 BC. e. During its existence, Beirut was destroyed several times, but it was always possible to restore it.

Excavations were repeatedly carried out on the territory of the Lebanese capital, during which various artifacts belonging to the Phoenician, Ottoman, Roman and many others were found ethnic communities. According to the studies conducted, written references about Beirut date back to the 14th century BC. e. Now the city is tourist center Lebanon. Its population is 361,000 people.

Gaziantep is one of the most oldest cities in Turkey and around the world. It is located close to the Syrian border. Its settlement occurred in 3650 BC. e. Until 1921, the city had a different name – Antep, after which the title “gazi” was added to it, which means brave. IN ancient times passed through the city Crusades, and in 1183, at the time Ottoman Empire mosques and inns began to be built in Gaziantep, later it became shopping center.

Modern city inhabited by Turks, Arabs and Kurds, their approximate number is 850,000 people. Every year Gaziantep is visited by crowds of tourists from different countries. There is something to see here: ruins ancient cities, museums, bridges and other unique attractions.

The first settlements in the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv appeared 4000 BC. e. According to some reports, it is the oldest city in Europe, which is why it is ranked 7th in the ranking of the oldest cities in the world. In 342 BC. e. Plovdiv was called differently - Odris. This name can be seen on ancient bronze coins.

In the 6th century the city was under the control of Slavic tribes; later it became part of the Bulgarian kingdom and was renamed Pyldin. During its subsequent history, the city fell under the rule of the Byzantines several times and returned again to the Bulgarians. In 1364, Plovdiv was captured by the Ottomans. The modern city is famous for its large number historical monuments architecture and other attractions known far beyond the borders of Bulgaria.

This Egyptian city appeared around 4000 BC. e. It is located on the territory of another ancient city Crocodilopolis, southwest of Cairo. The fact that it is one of the oldest cities in the world is evidenced by excavations that confirm the visit of the city by the pharaohs of the 12th dynasty. In those days the city was called Shedet, which translated means sea.

Currently, Al-Fayoum is filled with numerous markets, bazaars and mosques. The city has an unusual infrastructure with various attractions. Rose oil is produced here and exotic fruits and cereals are grown.

Most Old city in Lebanon began its existence 4000 BC. e. It is located 40 km from the capital. According to historical data, it is known that Jesus and the Apostle Paul visited it. During the time of the Phoenicians, it was the largest trading center in the Mediterranean. The seaport built in the Phoenician era has survived to this day.

Sidon was part of various states and empires many times. It was considered one of the most impregnable cities. Now about 200,000 people live here.

The very first settlements in Susa appeared in 4200 BC. e., the city is mentioned in the ancient Sumerian chronicles, as well as in the Old Testament and others scriptures. The city had the status of the capital of the Elamite Empire until it was captured by the Assyrians. In 668, a battle took place during which the city was sacked and burned. Ten years later, the Elamite Empire disappeared.

One of the most ancient cities of Susa suffered bloody massacres and destruction many times, but each time it was rebuilt. Currently, the city of Susa is called Shush; its population is about 65 thousand people, mostly Muslims and Jews.

One of the three oldest cities in the world is Byblos, not known as Jebeil. This Lebanese city was founded in the 4th-5th millennium BC. e. It was built by the Phoenicians and gave it the name Gebal. On its territory there are many Phoenician shrines, as well as the Church of John the Baptist. The city began to be called Biblios by the ancient Greeks, who visited the city and purchased papyrus here. In ancient times, Biblios was the largest port.

The Biblios writings have never been translated; they still remain a mystery left by the ancient city. They bear no resemblance to any of the writing systems of that time.

The second position is occupied by the ancient city of Damascus. The first mentions of it date back to the 15th century BC. e. During this period of time, it was dominated by egyptian pharaohs. Later the city was the center of the Damascus kingdom. During the rest of its existence, Damascus repeatedly became part of different states and empires. It is known that the Apostle Paul visited Damascus, and it was then that the first Christians appeared here.

Currently Damascus is cultural capital and second largest Syrian city, more than 1.5 million people live here.

The top of the pedestal rightfully belongs to the oldest city in the world - Jericho. Historians have discovered on its territory the remains of ancient settlements that settled here back in the 9th millennium BC. e. The city is located on the banks of the holy Jordan River and is known to many from the biblical scriptures.

Modern Jericho is a real living museum of ancient monuments. Here you can see the ruins remaining from the palace of King Herod, visit the source of the holy prophet Elisha and visit various Orthodox shrines. IN given time its population is more than 20,000 people.

The question of which city is the oldest is often researched by historians and archaeologists, but the truth is that tour operators are most interested in this. According to the survey, such a designation could significantly increase visitation even to popular tourist destinations. Recently, the British newspaper Guardian did a massive survey, listing eight cities as contenders for the title of the world's oldest still-inhabited city.

The Palestinian city of Jericho is truly ancient place and his name is even mentioned in the Bible. Archaeologists have discovered traces of human settlements 9,000 years before the birth of Christ. Walls of Jericho from Old Testament were built about 4000 years ago. In the "more recent" history of Jericho, the city was occupied by Alexander the Great, was under Roman rule, and Emperor Mark Antony gave it to Cleopatra.

The ancient Lebanese city also takes first place in the ranking. Byblos, also called Jubiel, is administrative center Bialog region in the upper reaches of Lebanon. It is located on the coast Mediterranean Sea, 20 km north of the capital - Beirut. The settlement dates back to the 8th millennium BC and is one of the largest cities of ancient Phenicia. Byblos supplied Egyptian papyrus to ancient Greece, where his name comes from Greek word"book").

Varanasi, on the banks of the magnificent Ganges River, is a sacred place for two religions - Buddhism and Hinduism. The historical and archaeological evidence of the Indian city goes back several millennia before Christ, but the first reliable sources appear from 1100 BC. Indians believe that the city was built by Lord Shiva himself 5000 years ago.

This small famous city is located south of Cairo. It is located in the heart of a desert oasis and its most famous feature today is its bustling market. There are Arsinoean mounds, where a settlement dating back about 6,000 years is located. Locals it is said that today's El-Fayoum is the direct descendant of the ancient settlement.

Kirkuk is an Iranian city inhabited by many different peoples such as Kurds, Arabs and Turkmen. Proof of it ancient origin are the remains of an ancient citadel dating back to 2900 BC. The nearby city of Erbil also dates back about 5,000 years.

Shushi

Shushi, the ancient Persian capital dates back to at least 4200 BC. The age is precisely determined with carbon dating of the remains of the ancient acropolis. But after the 15th century the town gradually declined and today it is just a small village.

There is also evidence about the Syrian city of Aleppo that it is one of the most ancient cities in the world. Its name is noted in the famous Ebla clay tablets, dated around 2400 BC. Unfortunately, Aleppo today is a real battlefield - one of the most affected by armed conflicts. Until recently, one of the most beautiful cities in Syria, today it is almost completely destroyed and seriously deserted due to the horrors of war.

Which city can rightfully be considered the most ancient in the world? Scientists cannot give a definite answer to this question to this day. However, there are several cities that can be included in the list of the oldest on the planet. We will talk about them further.

Jericho (Palestine)

Scientists around the world agree that Jericho can be called the most ancient city in the world. It is assumed that the date of its foundation is 9000 BC. The surprising thing is that in this city, which stands on the Jordan River (or rather, on its west bank), and today there are more than 20,000 inhabitants. Jericho stands out against the background of the surrounding desert with its fresh greenery and vibrant picturesque landscape. The abundance of greenery in the city is explained by the presence underground of springs and streams of water that flow here from neighboring mountains to winter time of the year.

Jericho can be safely called not only the most ancient, but also one of the hottest cities on the planet. And all thanks to the tropical climate that prevails on its territory. Here you can see many attractions, the main of which are the springs of Elisha, the Church of the Virgin Mary, the house of the harlot Rahab and other buildings.

Byblos (Lebanon)

The ancient city of Byblos was founded by the Phoenicians around 5000 BC. It is located on the Mediterranean coast and stands out for its beauty and uniqueness. Legends say that the founder of the city of Byblos is the god Kronos, who lived in Ancient Greece and is the father of Zeus.

It is known that the city was originally called Gebal, but later it was renamed Byblos in honor of the Greeks, who brought papyrus to the area. The name of this city has the same root as the word “Bible”, but there is no information about the Christian significance of this area. The main attractions of Byblos are the Church of St. John the Baptist, the Church of Byblos, Phoenician temples, as well as the medieval wall of Byblos.

Susa (Iran)

The city of Susa, founded in 4200 BC, was once the capital of the Elamite Empire. Somewhat later it became the capital of the Achaemenid kings of Persia. Over the course of many centuries, the ruins of the city passed into the possession of different dynasties: the rulers of Iran, Assyria, and later (during the reign of Cyrus the Great) the kings of Persia.

What gives the city special interest is its rectangular shape. Inside the city are the main treasury of the Elamite kings, as well as their palace. The walls of the city, according to ancient sources, are built of asphalt and brick.

Today, on the territory of the ancient city of Susa, the city of Shusha is located, home to more than 65,000 inhabitants.

Delhi (India)

The capital of India, Delhi, was founded in 4000 BC. It is located on the coast of the Yamuna River, in the northern part of the country. According to ancient legends, on the territory of the city of Delhi there were once 7 cities, the most famous of which was the city of Indraprastha, where the heroes of the ancient epic “Mahabharata” lived. The main settlements in the city began to appear in 300 BC. Today the city's population numbers more than 14 million inhabitants.

Sidon (Lebanon)

The Lebanese city of Sidon was founded around 4000 BC. It is located near Beirut and is one of the most important cities of the ancient Phoenicians. It was from here, according to famous legends, that the Phoenician Mediterranean empire began.

The city of Sidon was the most important trade and craft center of Phenicia. From here to many neighboring countries quality goods were supplied - clothing, fabrics, purple, glass, wood. There is an opinion that the city of Sidon was visited by the Apostle Paul and Jesus Christ. In 333 BC it was captured by Alexander the Great and only after the fall of Egypt it gained independence.

Ancient cities amaze with their grandeur: our history was born and unfolded in them. And although most of the ancient cities have not survived to our time, there are those few that we can see today. Some of these cities are small, while others are huge. This list represents cities that have not only survived to this day, but also continue to function. Each city was photographed at sunrise and sunset. In addition, in some photographs you can find the sights of these places.

10. Plovdiv
Founded: before 400 BC

Plovdiv is located in modern Bulgaria. It was founded by the Thracians and was originally called Eumolpias. It was conquered by the Macedonians and eventually became part of modern Bulgaria. It is the second largest and most important city in Bulgaria after the capital Sofia, which is located about 150 kilometers away.

9. Jerusalem
Founded: 2000 BC




Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world, and is considered the holy city of Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It is the capital of Israel (although not all countries recognize this fact). In ancient times, this was the famous city of David from the Bible, and later the place where Jesus spent his last week of life.

8. Xi'an
Founded: 1100 BC




One of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China, Xi'an is now the capital of Shaanxi Province. The city is full of ancient ruins, monuments, and still stands ancient wall, built during the Ming Dynasty - pictured below. It also contains the tombs of Emperor Qin Shi Huang, who is best known for his Terracotta Army.

7. Cholula
Founded: 500 BC




Cholula is located in the Mexican state of Puebla, which was founded before Columbus arrived on the shores of America. Its most famous landmark is Great Pyramid Cholula, which now looks like a hill with a church on top. However, in reality the hill is the base of the pyramid. The pyramid temple is the largest in the new world.

6. Varanasi
Founded: 1200 BC




Varanasi (also known as Benares) is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. Jains and Hindus consider it a holy city and believe that if a person dies there, he will achieve salvation. This is the oldest populated city in India and one of the oldest in the world. Along the Ganges River you can find many pits - these are stops on the way of believers, in which they perform religious ablutions.

5. Lisbon
Founded: 1200 BC




Lisbon is the largest city and capital of Portugal. This is the oldest city in Western Europe- much older than London, Rome, and similar cities. Religious and funerary monuments have been preserved there since the Neolithic era, and archaeological evidence also suggests that it was once an important trading city for the Phoenicians. In 1755 the city was moved devastating earthquake, which almost completely destroyed it due to fires and tsunamis - this earthquake was one of the deadliest in history.

4. Athens
Founded: 1400 BC




Athens is the capital of Greece and also The largest city. Its 3,400-year history is eventful, and due to Athenian dominance in the region as a huge city-state, most of The cultures and customs of the ancient Athenians were reflected in many other cultures. A bunch of archaeological sites make Athens an ideal city to visit for those with an interest in European history and culture.

3. Damascus
Founded: 1700 BC




Damascus is the capital of Syria and more than 2.6 million people live here. However, unfortunately, recent civil uprisings have caused considerable damage to one of the most significant and ancient cities in history. Damascus was included in the top 12 sites cultural heritage that are in danger of being destroyed or at risk of suffering irreparable damage. Only time will tell whether this ancient city will be able to survive or whether it will go down in history as one of the world's ancient vanished cities.

2. Rome
Founded: 753 BC




Initially, Rome was a collection of small urban-type settlements. However, it eventually became a city-state governing one of the greatest empires throughout the history of mankind. The period of existence of the Roman Empire (which grew from the Roman Republic) was relatively short-lived - it was founded in 27 BC. its first emperor was Augustus, and its last, Romulus Augustulus, was overthrown in 476 (although the Eastern Roman Empire lasted another 977 years).

1. Istanbul
Founded: 660 BC




As noted above, the Eastern Roman Empire, with its capital in the city of Constantinople - now known as Istanbul, continued to exist until 1453. Constantinople was captured by the Turks, who founded the Ottoman Empire in its place. The Ottoman Empire lasted until 1923, when it was created Turkish Republic, and the sultanate was abolished. To this day, both Roman and Ottoman artifacts can be seen in Istanbul, the most significant of which is probably the Hagia Sophia. Originally a church, it was converted into a mosque by the Islamic Ottomans, and with the formation of the republic it became a museum.