A Journey Through Civilization That Never Slept
Throughout human history, cities have risen and fallen, but some have withstood the test of time. These ancient metropolises are still inhabited today, showcasing the legacy of empires, religions, and trade routes. Here’s a countdown of the top 10 oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, where the past walks hand in hand with
the present.
10. Beirut, Lebanon
Estimated Age: ~5,000 years
Founded: c. 3,000 BCE
Once a hub for Phoenician trade, Beirut has been ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottomans, and the French. Despite modern conflicts, this resilient Mediterranean city thrives, combining rich archaeology with vibrant modern culture.
🗝️ Did You Know? Excavations reveal layers of Roman baths, mosaics, and ancient walls beneath downtown Beirut.
9. Jericho, West Bank
Estimated Age: ~11,000 years
Founded: c. 9,000 BCE
Often cited as the oldest city on Earth, Jericho was once a fortified settlement surrounded by one of the earliest known stone walls. Nestled near the Jordan River, it’s a treasure trove of biblical and Neolithic history.
🗝️ Did You Know? Archaeological digs found 23 successive layers of ancient settlements in Jericho.
8. Athens, Greece
Estimated Age: ~5,000 years
Founded: c. 3,000 BCE
The cradle of democracy, Athens is known for its unmatched contributions to philosophy, science, and the arts. The Acropolis still stands tall, narrating tales
of gods, philosophers, and revolution.
🗝️ Did You Know? Athens has been continuously inhabited for more than 5,000 years and was a cultural beacon even during the Roman era.
7. Faiyum, Egypt
Estimated Age: ~6,000 years
Founded: c. 4,000 BCE
Just southwest of Cairo, Faiyum grew around an ancient lake and is believed to have roots in prehistoric farming
communities. It prospered under Egyptian and Greco-Roman rule.
🗝️ Did You Know? The name “Faiyum” comes from the Coptic word for “lake.”
6. Susa (Shush), Iran
Estimated Age: ~6,000 years
Founded: c. 4,200 BCE
Susa was a mighty capital of the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian empires. Today’s Shush lies atop layers of ancient grandeur, with ruins of palaces and
ziggurats still standing.
🗝️ Did You Know? The biblical Book of Esther is set in Susa.
5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Estimated Age: ~8,000 years
Founded: c. 6,000 BCE
Plovdiv is Europe’s oldest city with continuous habitation. Once known as Philippopolis, it flourished under Thracian, Roman, Byzantine, and
Ottoman influence, boasting a well-preserved Roman theatre.
🗝️ Did You Know? It was named the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
4. Byblos, Lebanon
Estimated Age: ~7,000 years
Founded: c. 5,000 BCE
One of the oldest Phoenician cities, Byblos gave the world its first alphabet and influenced the Greek word “biblion”
(book). It was a vital port for papyrus export to ancient Egypt and Greece.
🗝️ Did You Know? “Bible” is derived from Byblos, owing to its role in ancient book trade.
3. Aleppo, Syria
Estimated Age: ~8,000+ years
Founded: Possibly before 5,000 BCE
Strategically located between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, Aleppo was a prized city for many
empires, including the Hittites, Greeks, and Ottomans. Recent conflict damaged much, but its soul remains alive.
🗝️ Did You Know? It was mentioned in records from 2nd millennium BCE and was once a major Silk Road stop.
2. Damascus, Syria
Estimated Age: ~11,000 years
Founded: ~9,000 BCE
Damascus claims the title of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital
city. Its labyrinthine old town still preserves mosques, churches, and Roman-era ruins.
🗝️ Did You Know? Damascus was a major cultural center during the Islamic Golden Age and the Umayyad Caliphate.
1. Varanasi, India
Estimated Age: ~12,000 years
Founded: Mythically ~12,000 years ago, archaeologically ~3,000 BCE
Regarded as the spiritual heart of India, Varanasi (Kashi) is believed to be established by Lord Shiva. With ancient ghats, rituals on the Ganga, and temples dating back millennia, it continues to be a sacred and living city.
🗝️ Did You Know? Mark Twain wrote: “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together.”
🌍 Conclusion
These cities are more than just old—they’re living museums, where every street and structure tells a story of human perseverance, ingenuity, and culture. If you ever want to travel through time, start with these ancient cities still alive today.