The World’s Oldest Cities
1. Varanasi, India
Varanasi, India is 5000 years old. “Benares is older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend, and looks twice as old as all of them put together,” said Mark Twain. Lord Shiva founded Varanasi, according to legend.
2. Xian, China
Xian, China came up around 3000 B.C. The Silk Road begins from here. Xian is home to the Terracotta Army, a collection of sculptures showing the 1st Chinese emperor’s army.
3. Gaziantep, Turkey
Gaziantep, Turkey (King’s Land) was settled in 3650 B.C. by the Hitties, who lived during the Bronze Age.
4. Istanbul, Turkey
Guess which city is partly in Europe and partly in Asia? Istanbul, Turkey was established in 3000 B.C too. Istanbul was the capital of four empires, Roman, Byzantine, Latin and Ottoman.
5. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem, Israel arose in 3000 B.C. It was attacked 52 times, restored 44 times, and demolished in full twice.
6. Damascus, Syria
Damascus, Syria is 11,000 years old. It became important because it is located between Africa and Asia.
7. Zurich, Switzerland
Which city’s old and rich? Zurich, Switzerland has been around since 3000 B.C. The Romans used to collect tax at Zurich from ships carrying goods on the Limmat river.
8. Athens, Greece
Where did democracy begin?Athens, Greece, came up in 1400 B.C. Athens is called the cradle of western civilization.
9. Rome, Italy
Which is the world’s only city to have a state within its borders, Vatican City? Rome, Italy, was founded in 753 BC by the twins Romulus and Remus, according to legend.
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