The most famous ancient cities in the world

As you know, time is fleeting, but, despite this, there are still some things remain unchanged. This also applies to the cities, which for several millennia keep many secrets of history. Introducing 10 the oldest settlements of the world that emerged thousands of years ago.

Jericho, Palestinian National Authority

The first inhabitants on the territory of Jericho appeared in the ninth century BC. This date, archaeologists have identified the age of the first stone buildings that are found in Jericho. Today, about 20,000 inhabitants live in these areas. City affects the abundance of attractions, some of which have long been in ruins. But even this does not stop the tourists and every year they come to the territory of Jericho to admire, for example, the remains of the palace of Herod the Great and Sorokodnevnoy mountain on which, according to tradition, Jesus fasted forty days, all this time, tempted by the devil.

Byblos, Lebanon

The first structure of this biblical town were built in the fifth century BC. Originally the town was called Jbeil, and the name of Byblos was due to Greeks imported from the city papyrus. Byblos is rich in cultural and historical attractions, including the ancient Phoenician temples Bibls Castle, St. John the Baptist Church, and many others. But the modern landmark of the city can be called the International Music Festival of Byblos, which participants at various times became Massive Attack, Epica, Beirut and others.

Aleppo, Syria

His story takes another village Aleppo in 4300 years BC. Now this settlement is the most populous city in Syria. The story of his quite rich and of all time, he managed to get into the hands of the Assyrians, the Greeks and the Persians, was not even once occupied by the Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders and been in possession of the Mongols and the Ottomans. This diversity of cultures has left a visible mark on the image of the city, which could not be better expressed in a variety of points of interest corresponding to different cultural traditions.

Damascus, Syria

Some historians claim that the first inhabitants settled in the city as early as 10,000 BC. e. The main stage in the history of the city was the arrival of Arameans, have established a network of canals, still form the basis of water urban networks. During its existence, had visited Damascus in the hands of Alexander the Great and the Romans, the Arabs and the Ottomans. Today, Damascus is one of the most popular destinations for many tourists coming here to admire the historical sites.

El Fayoum, Egypt

Its history, this ancient Egyptian city, located to the south-west of Cairo, began as early as 4000 BC. While city residents worshiped the crocodile, embodies for them the earthly image of the god Sobek. Archaeologists have discovered a whole cemetery of mummified crocodiles, with more than 2 million copies. From the sights of El Fayome can note the large bazaars, mosques and baths, as well as the nearby pyramid.

Saida, Lebanon

Pollock is considered the oldest Phoenician city. His first buildings belong to 4000 BC, and the city is considered the beginning of the formation of the Mediterranean Phoenician Empire. Local masters in all ages were famous in the art of glass, purple, and in the women's embroidery.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

Founded in 4000 BC Thracian settlement has repeatedly passed from hand to hand, acquired before the current status. Today Plovdiv is a major cultural center for storing a ancient remains, including a Roman amphitheater, aqueduct, and Ottoman baths.

Gaziantep, Turkey

For the first time this place has seen settlers in 3650 BC. The history of the city has undergone multiple shifts rulers and rebuilding. Of the main attractions of the city can be called the Mosaic Museum, which is based on numerous mosaics of the ancient city of Zeugma, flooded by the Turks in 2000.

Beirut, Lebanon

The origins of the capital of Lebanon takes in the period from 3000 to 5000 BC. In the city archaeologists discovered artifacts of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab and Ottoman periods. Today, Beirut is the center of the cultural life of the region.

Varanasi, India

Varanasi is the most important place of pilgrimage in India, and is considered one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. Age city has about 3000 years old, but it is believed that it appeared about 5,000 years ago, and was founded by the god Shiva.