What is the oldest city in the world?
The oldest city in the world is a topic that arouses a lot of interest and discussion. Historical and archaeological evidence points to several cities that may compete for this title. In this article, we look at some of the most prominent candidates and their historical significance.
Jericho
Jeriko, which is located in what is now the West Bank, is one of the strongest candidates for being the world’s oldest city. Archaeological excavations have revealed that Jericho has already been inhabited around 11,000 years ago, i.e. around 9,000 BC. The city is particularly known for its ancient walls and towers, which are one of the earliest known defensive structures.
Damascus
Another major candidate is Damascus, the capital of Syria. The history of Damascus goes back at least 8,000 years and has been a continuously inhabited city. Damascus has been an important cultural and commercial center in the Middle East and has a rich history spanning from ancient times to the present day.
Byblos
Byblos, located in present-day Lebanon, is also one of the oldest cities in the world. Byblos has already been inhabited about 7,000 years ago and was an important trading city in ancient Phoenicia. Byblos is particularly known for its role in the development of writing and literature; the name of the city comes from the Greek word “biblos”, which means book.
Early Cities in Mesopotamia
The region of Mesopotamia, in what is now Iraq, was home to several early cities, such as Uruk and Ur. Uruk, one of the first known cities, was a major center around 4000 BC. Ur, on the other hand, is known for its ziggurat temple and rich cultural heritage.
Summary
Although it is difficult to unequivocally name the oldest city in the world, Jericho, Damascus, Byblos and the early cities of Mesopotamia are all strong candidates. Each of these cities has a long and rich history that goes back thousands of years. Archaeological finds and historical evidence give us valuable information about the importance of these cities in human history.
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