The Ancient Wonder That Makes the Pyramids Look Young

It won't come as much of a surprise that many people believe that the pyramids are some of the oldest structures in the world. While this isn’t entirely inaccurate, the reality is that several civilizations and empires came long before Egypt built its great pyramids and were among the most powerful nations on earth. 

The first city on our list of the oldest cities in the world is Gaziantep in Turkey. Brimming with Ottoman architecture and tourist attractions, Gaziantep is a historic old town in Turkey's southeastern region. Gaziantep has ancient roots, with evidence of habitation dating back thousands of years. But scientists believe the ancient town could be much older.

With its extensive vineyards, olive groves, and hub of pistachio nut farming, Gaziantep is a critical center for industrialization in Turkey. Romans, Abbasids, Persians, and Assyrians dominated the area. The Armenian community also played a significant role in the city's culture, prosperity, history, and welfare. Armenians were active in agriculture, trade, and manufacturing.

Today, the ancient city is home to famous mosaics and other little museums. It is also an ideal location for foodie travelers and shoppers. The local handcrafts have prehistoric designs, and the prices are affordable compared to other places such as Antalya and Istanbul.

Varanasi, known as Benaras or Kashi, is a prominent center of Hindu mythology. It is one of the oldest functioning cities in the world and has been a pilgrimage spot for Hindus. Varanasi is believed to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with its history dating back to at least the 2nd millennium BCE, and is deeply connected to Hindu mythology.

The city remained an active center for educational, artistic, and cultural activities, as attested by Xuanzang, a celebrated Chinese Buddhist monk. It is adorned by the finest river frontage with an array of temples, shrines, and Ghats. The inner streets are narrow and winding, but the outer suburbs are spacious and systematic.

Tourism-related activities remain an essential component, attracting both domestic and foreign tourists. It has the most revered temples, including Vishvanatha, Durga, and Sankat Mochan. The old city in India has several Brahmin pandits and innumerable schools. It is also a hub of three universities and dozens of high schools and colleges.

Plovdiv is considered one of the oldest cities in Europe, with evidence of habitation dating back thousands of years. Its captivating beauty and culture will leave you breathless. It is located on seven hills, named "The City of the Seven Hills." Plovdiv was essential in the National Revival as a trade center. The locals could trade with the empire to finance the construction of schools, homes, and churches.

Many civilizations, including Visconti, Romans, and Thracians, inhabited the city of Plovdiv. As a result, public buildings, Roman aqueducts, and fortresses have been beautifully preserved. The hilly town is photogenic, featuring Ottoman-era structures and winding cobbled streets.

Plovdiv sits on a dusty plain with a perfect climate for grape cultivation. Locals and tourists often have fun during wine-tasting trips organized by Bulgaria wine tours. For the foodie who likes old dishes, Plovdiv is the place to be.

Sidon is strategically located south of Beirut and is among the world's oldest cities. It is a mysterious city due to its plundered and scattered past. The town was inhabited from 4000 BCE, probably during Neolithic times. In this century, ancient components from Sidon are among the world's antiquities on the market.

The ancient city was designed to shield its fleet from severe storms. But in its commercial initiative, religious implications, and wealth, Sidon surpassed the Phoenician cities. The town gave Persia land with seamen and ships to fight the Greeks and Egyptians.

Currently, various small shops, including patisseries, dominate Sidon. The Sea Castle is a modern fortress consisting of two towers. Old prints on the structure display great beauty, making it a tourist attraction.

The ancient city of Jericho is famously known in the Bible, particularly in the Book of Joshua. However, excavations and archaeologists' explorations reveal that Jericho is one of the oldest known settlements, with evidence of habitation dating back to ancient times. The springs found near and in the city led to its earliest settlements.

Jericho has a protective wall and older stone towers. Archaeological excavations show that by 8000 BC, the wall of Jericho had grown to approximately 430,000 square feet, though the exact figure is unknown. According to the Bible, the Israelites attacked the ancient city of Jericho after crossing the River Jordan to Canaan.

Modern Jericho is a tranquil tourist destination due to its historical sites, religious significance, and pleasant climate. It is also located near the River Jordan and the West Bank and has significant archaeological importance.

Erbil is among the ancient, continuously inhabited cities of the world. The city dates back to 6000 BC and is the capital of Kurdistan in Iraq. At the heart of Erbil is the old Citadel, estimated to be about 7000 years old.

In Citadel, beautiful traditional textiles and rugs depict preserves textile techniques. Erbil's museum is a hub of a vast collection of archaeological projects and pre-Islamic artifacts. It is the most central and significant home of several parks, stretching over many hectares.

The modern Erbil lies beautifully at the base of Mount Safeen. It has several restaurants, hotels, fruit orchards, and a food market. The Bekhal and Gali Ali Beg waterfalls are deeper into the gorges and mountains.

As of 2022, Erbil has a population of 877,888, making it the fourth-largest town in Iraq after Mosul, Basra, and Baghdad. The city's primary industry is building and road construction. Although there was no manufacturing of the ancient town, merchants and the construction industry dominated.

Faiyum, or Al-Fayyum, is an old city in Egypt. It is located in the center of Shedet, an ancient region. The city's ruins date back to 1938 to 1756 BC. Faiyum is the distribution and market center for the Egyptian governorate.

The region has evidence of farming, with a narrow-gauge railway serving the agricultural communities. The people of Faiyum and Roman Egypt were known for embalming their dead, and the practice continued despite the Romans' recommendation of cremation.

Faiyum portraits hint at a remarkable society with mixed origins living harmoniously. The lifeless basin was initially transformed into fertile land by the Nile, which diverted a branch of freshwater into the area.

Whale Valley, or Wadi Al-Hitan, is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its fossils of early whales, indicating that the area was once submerged under a shallow sea.

Athens is among the oldest cities in the world. Many artistic ideas and intellectual civilizations originate from the city. With its tall buildings and great weather, the town is surrounded by mountains.

'Archaeological evidence suggests that Athens has been inhabited since around 3000 BCE. Athens houses historical landmarks and is the birthplace of democracy as we know it today.

The Acropolis is one of the city's most iconic landmarks. Ancient Greek architectural styles, such as the Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian orders, have significantly influenced Western architecture. The Parthenon temple, a major tourist site, was constructed around 447 BC for Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom. Strolling around the town gives you a glimpse of history buffs and gems honoring different empires. Tourism remains at the city's heart as travelers seek to experience the unique culture, cuisine, and history.

Argos is an ancient city in Greece, with evidence of habitation dating back to around 3000 BCE. It is located in the stunning Peloponnese and remains an essential center of Greece. The ancient Argos lies on the fertile land of the Argolid plain.

According to Greek mythology, Argos got its name from Argus, the son of Niobe and Zeus. Archaeological remains, including Roman, Mycenaean, and Greek structures, are evident. The impressive old theatre can accommodate about 20,000 people.

The old city of Argos houses essential artifacts, including pottery and terracotta figurines. The charming town is also an attraction site for domestic and foreign tourists. The Archaeological Museum of Argos is a neoclassical structure constructed in 1830. The Church of Panagia also nestles in the forests, and inside it is a Holy Bible published in 1776.

In addition, there is Larissa Acropolis, named after Pelasgos, Larissa's daughter. The site is located west of the city and was built in the 6th century B.C.

Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Islamic tradition maintains that Syria's national capital is the fourth-holiest city. Due to its lushness and beauty, it has also been named the "Pearl of the East."

Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Archaeological evidence suggests habitation since at least the 2nd millennium BCE, though some sources suggest even earlier habitation. In the Middle Ages, it was a hub of the craft industry, specializing in laces and swords. Thanks to its strategic location, the city was also a flourishing commercial and cultural heritage center.

Damascus exhibits incredible evidence of civilizations created by Roman, Islamic, and Hellenistic peoples. Despite the Islamic dominance, the city has traces of Byzantine and Roman cultures.

In the modern world, Damascus is a tourist attraction. The opera house is a venue for films, dramas, and performances. People also enjoy monuments, temples, cuisine, and multiple cultural developments. It is also a center for multinational companies, including Huawei Technologies, KPMG, Deloitte, and Syriatel.