In a world that is constantly developing, it is easy to feel like everything is new. But if you take a step back and look at the big picture, you realize that most things are quite old. This occurs mostly in cities, as some are still ancient to the rest of the world.
Sure, some cities are relatively new, but the vast majority of them have been around for centuries, if not longer. And while they may have changed quite a bit over time, they still keep much of their original charm.
If you are looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of modern life and explore some of the world’s most ancient cities, then this blog post is for you.
We’ve compiled a list of 15 ancient cities in the world that are still thriving today, complete with photos and descriptions. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
Table of Contents
How Did Ancient Cities Start?
There are many theories about how ancient cities started, but the most likely explanation is that they began as small agricultural settlements.
As these settlements grew, they became more complex and organized, eventually becoming cities. The first cities appeared in Mesopotamia and Egypt around 4,000 BCE.
These early cities were often ruled by powerful kings or queens who controlled large areas of land. Over time, other civilizations developed their cities, including the Greeks, Romans, and Mayans.
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What Are The Ancient Cities In The World?
Many ancient cities in the world have been around for centuries. Some of these ancient cities include Athens, Rome, Jerusalem, and Cairo. These cities have a long history and are full of culture and interesting architecture.
Below are some of the ancient cities in the world:
1. Tiruvannamalai, India
Tiruvannamalai is an ancient city in Tamil Nadu, India. The city is located on the banks of the River Cauvery and is surrounded by the Anamalai Hills. It is one of the four great holy cities of India and is considered to be a very sacred place by Hindus.
The city has a long history and was once ruled by the Chola dynasty. It was also an important center of learning, with many famous temples and universities. Today, Tiruvannamalai is a popular tourist destination, as it is home to many ancient temples and monuments.
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2. Hanoi, Vietnam
Hanoi, Vietnam is an ancient city with a long and rich history. The city was founded in 1010 AD and has been the capital of Vietnam for much of its history. Hanoi is a beautiful city, with tree-lined streets, French colonial architecture, and a picturesque setting on the banks of the Red River.
The city is home to many historical landmarks, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Temple of Literature, and the Old Quarter. Hanoi is also a vibrant and modern city, with a thriving nightlife scene and plenty of shopping and dining options.
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3. Constantine, Algeria
Constantine is an ancient city in Algeria that was founded in the 4th century AD. The city was named after Emperor Constantine the Great and served as the capital of the province of Numidia. Constantine flourished as a trade center and became a major cultural hub in the Roman Empire.
The city’s golden age came to an end in the 7th century AD when it was sacked by Arab invaders. Constantine fell into decline but has experienced a resurgence in recent years. The city is now a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and beautiful architecture.
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4. Varanasi, India
The city of Varanasi is located on the banks of the River Ganges in the north Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is considered to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and has been a major center of Hindu pilgrimage for centuries. Today, Varanasi is a popular tourist destination, known for its many temples and Ghats (steps leading down to the river), as well as its rich cultural heritage.
Every year, millions of Hindus come to Varanasi to bathe in the River Ganges and to perform religious rituals. The city is also home to a large number of universities and research institutes, making it an important center for learning.
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5. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Bulgaria and the world. It was founded by the Thracians more than 6,000 years ago and has been inhabited ever since. The city has a rich history and heritage, which is reflected in its many archaeological sites and monuments. Plovdiv is located in southeastern Bulgaria, on the banks of the Maritsa River. It is the administrative center of the Plovdiv Province and has a population of about 200,000 people. The city is an important economic hub, with a significant industrial and commercial sector.
Some of the most notable archaeological sites in Plovdiv include the Roman theater, built in the 2nd century AD; the Roman stadium, dating back to the 1st century AD; and the ancient necropolis, which contains over 3,000 graves. Other tourist attractions include the Old Town, with its traditional Bulgarian architecture, and the Museum of History, which houses a collection of artifacts from Polvdiv’s past.
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6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city located in present-day Peru, is one of the most well-known and popular archaeological sites in the world. The city was built in the 15th century and served as a royal estate and country home for the Incan emperor Pachacuti. It was abandoned soon after the Spanish conquest of the Incan empire in the 16th century and remained unknown to most of the world until it was rediscovered by American explorer Hiram Bingham in 1911.
Today, Machu Picchu is one of Peru’s top tourist attractions, drawing thousands of visitors from all over the world each year. The site is especially popular with hikers and trekkers, as it is situated high in the Andes Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
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7. Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii is an ancient city located in southern Italy. The city was founded in the 7th century BC by the Etruscan people. It flourished as a major trading center and had a population of around 20,000 people by the time it was destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.
The city was buried under volcanic ash and debris, which preserved many of its features and buildings. Pompeii is now a World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy.
8. Kyoto, Japan
Kyoto, Japan is an ancient city that has a rich history. The city was founded in 794 AD and was the capital of Japan from 794 to 1868. Kyoto is home to many important historical and cultural sites, including 17 World Heritage Sites. The city of Kyoto is located in central Japan, on the island of Honshu. It is surrounded by mountains and has a population of 1.5 million people.
Kyoto is known for its traditional architecture, gardens, and temples. The city has many famous shrines and temples, including the Kiyomizu-Dera Temple and the Fushimi Inari-Taisha Shrine. Kyoto is also home to several universities, including Kyoto University, which is one of the top universities in Japan.
9. Lagunita, Yucatan
Lagunita, Yucatan was once a thriving city of the ancient Maya civilization. The city flourished between AD 600 and 900 and was home to an estimated 50,000 people. It was one of the largest cities of the Maya world and was known for its grand temples and palaces.
Sadly, Lagunita was abandoned by the Maya around AD 900, and today it lies in ruins. However, its impressive ruins are still worth a visit and give us a glimpse into the life of this once-great city.
10. Petra, Jordan
The ancient city of Petra, Jordan is a historical and archaeological site that is known for its baroque architecture and rock-cut architecture. The site is also known as Rose City due to the color of the stone that was used to build the city. Petra was established around 300 BCE by the Nabataean Arabs and it served as the capital of their kingdom.
The city flourished during the 1st century CE when trade routes from Arabia, India, and China crossed through Petra. The city declined after the Romans annexed Arabia in 106 CE but it was later rediscovered in 1812 by a Swiss explorer.
11. Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor is the capital city of the Khmer Empire, which ruled much of Southeast Asia for more than 600 years. The city was once home to more than one million people and was the largest city in the world during its heyday.
Angkor is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Cambodia. The city is home to several ancient temples, including the world-famous Angkor Wat, which is the largest religious monument in the world.
12. Faiyum, Egypt
Faiyum is an ancient city located in the Nile River valley in Egypt. The city was founded in the fourth century BCE and served as the capital of the Faiyum Oasis, which was a major center of trade and agriculture in the region. The city flourished for centuries but began to decline in the Roman period. In late antiquity, Faiyum was abandoned and its ruins were lost to the desert sands. The ancient city of Faiyum provides a fascinating window into the past. It is an important reminder of the rich history and culture of Egypt.
In recent years, however, archaeologists have begun to uncover the lost city of Faiyum. Excavations have revealed a wealth of information about this once-great metropolis. The city was laid out on a grid plan, with wide streets and large public spaces. It was home to many different cultures over the centuries, including Egyptians, Greeks, Romans, and Persians.
13. Hampi, India
Hampi, India was once a bustling city filled with temples, markets, and homes. Today, it is an ancient site that is popular among tourists and historians alike. The city was first settled in the 13th century by the Vijayanagara Empire. It soon became a center of trade and culture, attracting people from all over the world.
The city reached its peak in the 15th century, before being sacked by the Deccan Sultanate in 1565. Hampi was abandoned soon after and has remained largely untouched since then. Today, visitors can explore the ruins of Hampi and imagine what life was like in this once-great city.
14. Mesa Verde, Colorado
Mesa Verde is an ancient city in southwestern Colorado. The city was built by the Anasazi people around 1200 AD. It is located in a canyon formed by the Mesa Verde River. The city was home to about 1,500 people at its peak. The Anasazi people lived in Mesa Verde for 700 years before they abandoned the city. The exact reason why they left is unknown, but it is thought that a combination of factors, including drought and warfare, led to their decision to leave.
The Mesa Verde area was then settled by hunter-gatherers around 7500 BC. They began to plant crops and build homes around 1200 BC.
The Anasazi people were a highly advanced society. They built irrigation systems, roads, and storage facilities. They also developed a unique form of architecture known as cliff dwellings. Mesa Verde is now an archaeological site and a World Heritage Site. It is open to the public for tours and hikes.
15. Sidon, Lebanon
The ancient city of Sidon is located in the southern part of Lebanon. It was founded in the 3rd millennium BC and was an important trading center in the region. The city was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 332 BC but was later rebuilt by the Romans.
Sidon has a long history and was once one of the most important cities in the world. It is known for its beautiful architecture and for being a major trading center. The city was also home to several famous historical figures, including Queen Dido, who founded the city, and Saint Paul, who preached in Sidon during his missionary journeys.
Today, Sidon is a thriving city with a population of over 200,000 people. It is a popular tourist destination due to its rich history and culture. Visitors can explore the ancient ruins of the city, visit the many museums and galleries, or enjoy the vibrant nightlife.
What Do The Ancient Cities Have In Common?
Many ancient cities in the world have been around for centuries. These cities have a lot in common, including their history, culture, and architecture.
History: Many of the ancient cities in the world have a long and rich history. They have been around for centuries, and have seen the rise and fall of many empires. These cities have witnessed the birth of civilizations and the growth of cultures.
Culture: The culture of an ancient city is often reflected in its architecture and art. These cities are home to some of the oldest and most significant buildings in the world. They also contain many artworks and artifacts that date back hundreds or even thousands of years.
Architecture: The architecture of ancient cities is often very different from that of modern cities. These cities were built using traditional methods and materials, such as stone, brick, and mortar. The buildings in ancient cities are often more ornate and detailed than those in modern cities.
How Do These Cities Compare to Modern Cities?
There are many differences between ancient and modern cities. The size is one of the obvious differences. Ancient cities were much smaller than modern cities. They also had fewer people living in them. Another difference is the way the buildings were made. Ancient buildings were mostly made of stone, while modern buildings are made of concrete and steel.
Ancient cities were also designed differently than modern cities. They were designed to be defended against attackers. This is why they often had high walls around them. Modern cities are not usually designed with defense in mind. Finally, ancient cities did not have the same technology that we have today. This means that they did not have things like electricity, running water, or sewers.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no definitive answer to this question, as it depends on how you define an ancient city. However, estimates range from a few hundred to several thousand.
Some of the contenders for the oldest city include Jericho in the West Bank (which may date back as far as 10,000 BCE), Athens in Greece (with a history going back around 3,400 BCE), Byblos in Lebanon (believed to date from around 3200 BCE) and Varanasi in India (thought to date from around 1500 BCE).
Each city has its own unique history. Some were abandoned due to changes in the climate or landscape, others due to war or disease. Some have been continuously inhabited since their founding and have simply grown and changed over time.
Conclusion
Some historians and archaeologists believe that there are thousands of ancient cities scattered across the globe, while others believe that the number is closer to a few hundred. However, there are a handful of ancient cities that are widely considered to be some of the oldest in the world.
These ancient cities offer a glimpse into the past with their well-preserved architecture and historical landmarks. Some of the most popular ancient cities include Athens, Greece; Rome, Italy; Jerusalem, Israel; and Petra, Jordan. These cities are all rich in history and culture and offer visitors a chance to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the world.
We hope you enjoyed our exploration of some of the ancient cities in the world. These cities have been around for centuries, and their histories are fascinating. If you have the chance to visit any of these cities, we highly recommend it. You won’t be disappointed!
References
- www.re-thinkingthefuture.com – 15 Ancient Cities Of The World That everyone should know about
- www.historyhit.com – 15 Amazing Ancient Cities to Visit in the World
- traveltriangle.com – 20 Ancient Lost Cities Of The World That Were Eventually Discovered