In the tapestry of human history, certain cities stand as timeless witnesses to the eons that have shaped our collective existence. The journey through antiquity takes us to the ten oldest cities in the world, where the echoes of centuries past reverberate through ancient streets, monuments, and cultural legacies. From the ancient settlement of Jericho, with its remarkable 11,000-year history, to the spiritual sanctum of Varanasi, tracing its sacred lineage for over 3,000 years along the banks of the Ganges, without forgetting volubilis the capital of the old amazigh kingdom of mauritania in Morocco, each city encapsulates the resilience, creativity, and endurance of human civilization. Aleppo, Byblos, and Damascus unfold stories of cultural convergence in the Middle East, while Lisbon and Athens serve as living testaments to the evolution of European civilization. Plovdiv in Bulgaria, Luxor along the Nile, and the medieval jewel of Fez in Morocco, all showcase the intricate threads that weave together the diverse narratives of our shared past. Join us on a captivating journey through time, exploring the ancient foundations and enduring spirits of the ten oldest cities that have shaped the course of human history.
our journey through time encompasses the stories of some of the world’s oldest cities, each a testament to the enduring spirit of the cultures that birthed them.
What are the world’s oldest cities ?
1. Volubilis, Morocco:
Nestled in the heart of Morocco, Volubilis or Alili in the Amazigh Language, stands as an archaeological testament to the rich amazigh Berber heritage. Founded in the 3rd century BCE as the capital of the old amazigh kingdom of mauritania that covered all morocco and algeria in the north till the desert in south mouritania border as known today, this amazigh city boasts well-preserved ruins that echo the cultural exchanges and architectural grandeur of its ancient past.
2. Fez, Morocco:
As one of Morocco’s oldest cities, Fez has a storied history dating back over a thousand years. Founded in the 9th century, the city stands as a vibrant hub of amazigh Berber and Andalusian(moroccan amazigh and spanish people who lived in the spain iberia land when muslums rulled there)influences , with its labyrinthine medinas, historic mosques, and the University of Al Quaraouiyine.
3. Athens, Greece:
At the crossroads of ancient philosophy and democracy, Athens has stood for over 3,000 years as a beacon of Western civilization. The Acropolis, crowned by the Parthenon, overlooks a city steeped in history, where the agora and ancient theaters bear witness to the birth of intellectual and political thought.
4. Luxor, Egypt:
Formerly known as Thebes, Luxor stretches along the banks of the Nile, preserving the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilization. With temples like Karnak and Luxor, this city invites modern explorers to marvel at colossal statues and magnificent structures dating back over 4,000 years.
5. Lisbon, Portugal:
Perched on the edge of Europe, Lisbon’s history spans more than 3,000 years. The Alfama district, with its narrow streets and Fado music, bears the weight of maritime exploration and cultural exchanges that have shaped this coastal city.
6. Catalhöyük, Turkey:
In the Anatolian Plateau, Catalhöyük challenges conventional notions of ancient settlements. Dating back to approximately 7500 BCE, this Neolithic site predates traditional cities, offering insights into early communal living and societal evolution.
7. Shush, Iran:
Shush, or Susa, has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations for over 4,000 years. Once an Elamite capital and later a crucial center of the Persian Empire, Shush reveals archaeological wonders, including the Apadana Palace and a majestic ziggurat.
8. Luoyang, China:
As one of China’s ancient capitals, Luoyang has played a central role in the country’s cultural tapestry for over 4,000 years. The Longmen Grottoes, ancient temples, and lush gardens bear witness to dynastic shifts and cultural flourishing in this historic city.
As we traverse the streets of Volubilis, Fez, Athens, Luxor, Lisbon, Catalhöyük, Shush, and Luoyang, we embark on a journey through the epochs, connecting with the vibrant stories etched in stone and imbued in the very fabric of these ancient cities. These urban centers, each shaped by the hands of their indigenous builders, stand as living monuments to the resilience and ingenuity of humanity across the millennia.
