Top 5 oldest cities in the world worth visiting
Exploring the world's historic cities is like flipping through the pages of a vast historical book. Each city tells stories of victories, failures, cultural breakthroughs, and the resilience of the human spirit.
The ruins of ancient civilizations stand as eternal witnesses to mankind's rich history amidst the modern cityscape and bustling urban environment. News Bytes presents a list of the five oldest cities in the world.
Sidon, Lebanon
Located south of Beirut, Sidon, Lebanon, is believed to have been inhabited as early as 4000 BC.
It was visited by historical figures such as Alexander the Great, Jesus Christ, and St. Paul.
Today it is one of the largest cities in Lebanon, home to the bustling port of Saihad.
Plovdiv, Bulgaria
With a history dating back more than six millennia, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe.
The ancient settlement on Nebet Tepe Hill has been inhabited by people since 4000 BC, according to excavations.
The city was the main center of Thracian, Macedonian, Ottoman, and Persian cultures. Currently, Plovdiv is the second largest city in Bulgaria and a developing tourist center.
Athens, Greece
Athens, the capital of Greece, is a dominant force in the Attica region.
This city is also the cradle of Western civilization and the ancient birthplace of philosophy.
Athens boasts an ancient habitat that predates the era of some of the most famous Greek philosophers, such as Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.
Ray, Iran
With evidence that its inhabitants date back to 6000 BC, Rey is the oldest city in Tehran Province and one of the oldest in the world.
Enshrined in the Avesta, the ancient texts of Zoroastrianism, the city has a rich historical background.
The city was captured by the Arabs in 641 AD, and in 1220, the Mongols came close to destroying it.
Fayum, Egypt
Fayum was a significant oasis in Ancient Egypt, known for its fertility and proximity to a branch of the Nile River.
The region is believed to have been inhabited by humans by 7200 BC, and its original agricultural city was founded around 5200 BC.
Subsequently, numerous cities and settlements were built in the area, especially known for the collection of mummy masks called the Fayum Portraits.