Traveling the world means discovering so many things. With traveling, people can discover the world's hidden gems and learn so much. Selecting the most amazing place is the most important thing for a tourist who wants to travel and discover more. Ancient cities offer a great experience of history.
Although there are many ancient cities across the world, knowing where they are is not easy. As a result, even a person looking to visit the best ancient cities should understand the location of the cities and what attractions to find there. Some cities are located far away from the rest of the modern cities, posing a challenge to travelers. Here are the top 10 ancient cities that are still standing.
10 Jericho, West Bank
With an age of more than 11,000 years, Jericho is considered one of the oldest cities in the world. It is an ancient city that holds a lot of history as it was destroyed in 1500 BC due and remains standing. Palestine currently occupies the city of Jericho, and it is an archeological site.
The city found in the Jordan Valley had settlements traced as early as 9,000BC. Around 25,000 people currently inhabit it.
9 Damascus, Syria
The city of Damascus in Syria is considered the capital of Arabic culture. However, it is among the oldest cities in the world. The city was inhabited around the 7th century BC. To date, the city of more than 11,000 years of age is still inhabited.
Due to how much history the city of Damascus holds, it is listed as UNESCO's world heritage. However, with time, the city has improved to gain modern amenities such as water systems and electricity.
8 Aleppo, Syria
It is found between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Sea. It is a city that currently has a population of more than 4 million people. However, the city is one of the oldest cities globally as it is more than 10,000 years old.
The city dates back to Paleo-Babylonian times. The city held the title for the largest in Syria for several decades. People currently occupy it with a modern look and amenities.
7 Ray, Iran
Ray city in Iran is found in the Greater Tehran metropolitan area. It is a city that reported evidence of people as early as 6,000 BCE. However, scientists claim that there are chances of people being there way earlier.
The city has many ancient historical monuments like the Cheshmeh-Ali, making it attractive for tourists who want to learn more about ancient cities. Here one will also get a chance to see the Gebri Castle, which is more than 3,000 years old.
6 Argo, Greece
For someone who has been to Argo, Greece, it is difficult to believe it is an ancient city. However, this is the truth as the city has been in existence for 7,000 years. It is one of the oldest cities in Greece.
The best part is that the city has been inhabited all over the years having around 22,000 people at present. However, visiting this city would be a real treat to a visitor as it still holds many monuments that clearly carry and show the city's history.
5 Faiyum, Egypt
Faiyum is an Egyptian city found on River Nile, and it hosted human settlements several years ago. The city was home to several agrarian communities from as early as 5,000 BCE. History shows that during 4,000 BCE, the city's population reduced significantly as a result of drought.
Although it is classified as one of the ancient standings, the city does not have any inhabitants at the moment. However, there are many attractions for visitors and things to learn about the city from the structures remaining.
4 Athens, Greece
Athens remains one of the oldest cities globally, and so much has changed. However, the city remains inhabited. The city dates back to 7,000 BCE when it was first inhabited. It is also considered the birthplace of Western Civilization and the home of philosophy. It is said that the city was there before the likes of Aristotle, Socrates, and Plato.
The city is famous for its monuments, notable being Propylaea, Parthenon, Acropolis, and Erechtheion. Athens will offer more than enough for a traveler who would like to see as much as possible about the old cities.
3 Susa, Iran
Susa city in Iran was a city that had inhabitants early in the years and has an age of 6,300 years. It is a city located along the Tigris River, and it played a major role in the history of the ancient world. The city was a region that enabled the civilization of the modern-day Middle East.
However, reports show that the city was destroyed by Assyrians and was later built in the Persian Empire.
2 Byblos, Lebanon
The city was given the name Byblos by the Greeks. The Phoenicians founded it as Gebal. Later the city was inhabited and became an iconic city during that time. The city was also the leading Papyrus exporter to Greece.
When visiting this city, there are many things a traveler can see, such as the Phoenician temples, the Church of St. John Mark, and the Byblos Castle.
1 Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon city in Lebanon was established 6000 years ago and has been inhabited ever since. It is one of the oldest cities in the world and was built by the Phoenicians. The city has become a civilized modern place, but many monuments and old buildings are. It was used as a ship-building destination by the Phoenicians and also played a vital role in helping them navigate the Mediterranean Sea.