3 AUG, 2023
Ayaan Paul Chowdhury
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Discover the marvels of time with this list of the ten oldest cities in the world - each steeped in rich history and cultural significance, showcasing humanity's enduring legacy through many millennia.
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Cholula is an ancient Mesoamerican city, home to the largest pyramid by volume, Tlachihualtepetl, also known as the Great Pyramid of Cholula, with roots dating back over 2,000 years.
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Formerly known as Thebes, Luxor is an ancient Egyptian city, renowned for its impressive temples, including the iconic Karnak and Luxor Temples, and its role as the political and religious capital during much of Egypt's history.
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Known as the spiritual capital of India, Varanasi holds sacred significance for Hindus and has been a pilgrimage site for over 2,500 years, offering a unique experience along the banks of the holy Ganges River.
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Situated along the ancient Silk Road, Gaziantep has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years, offering a rich cultural heritage, including remarkable mosaics and culinary traditions.
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Plovdiv, one of Europe's oldest cities, boasts a history dating back more than 6,000 years, featuring various cultural influences from Thracians, Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
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Renowned as the birthplace of democracy, Athens has a history of over 3,400 years, during which it flourished as a centre of arts, philosophy, and scientific inquiry in classical antiquity.
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Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that can be traced back over 8,000 years. Its significance lies in its role as an ancient trade center and as a crossroads between civilisations.
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With a history stretching over 8,000 years, Aleppo was a vital hub along the Silk Road, serving as a major centre for trade, culture, and knowledge exchange between the East and West.
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On the Mediterranean coast, Byblos is an ancient Phoenician city with a history dating back at least 7,000 years. It played a crucial role in the spread of the Phoenician alphabet, which evolved into the basis for several writing systems.
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Jericho is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, with archaeological evidence dating back over 11,000 years. Its strategic location near abundant water sources contributed to its enduring settlement.