--- title: "Which is the oldest city in the world?" description: "Which is the oldest city in the world?" author: "Steilla Mitchel" published: 2022-12-05 canonical: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98765/which-is-the-oldest-city-in-the-world category: "history, politics & society" tags: ["history"] reading_time: 3 minutes --- # Which is the oldest city in the world? Which is the [oldest city](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/view/85852/varanasi-the-oldest-city-in-india) in the [world](https://www.mindstick.com/news/2334/what-would-occur-if-the-world-were-to-divide-in-half)? ## Answers ### Answer by Subhamay Ganai The debate over which is the [oldest](https://yourviews.mindstick.com/story/4758/top-10-oldest-trees-in-the-world-and-their-stories) city in the world is one that has lasted centuries, with many cities claiming to be the oldest. From the **ancient city of Jericho** to the **pyramids of Giza**, to the **ruins of Babylon**, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that cities were around before recorded history began. But which one is truly the oldest of them all? The term **“oldest city”** is largely subjective, and it’s difficult to pinpoint an exact answer. Different cities have different criteria for being considered the oldest. Some consider a city to be the oldest if it has the earliest known settlement, while others consider a city to be the oldest if it has the longest continual occupation. In addition, some cities may be considered the oldest due to the fact that they were the first to be established as major urban centers. The answer is still up for debate, with various cities around the world claiming to be the oldest. However, some of the oldest cities have been around for thousands of years, and many have been inhabited for at least 2,000 years. **Jericho**, in the **West Bank**, is the most frequently mentioned contender for the title of the world's oldest city. This city dates back to **10,000 BC**, and its inhabitants have lived there ever since, making it one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The Tower of Jericho, the ruins of an ancient temple, and the city walls are among the oldest known structures in Jericho, making it an important historical landmark. Another contender for the oldest city in the world is **Damascus**, the capital of [**Syria**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/43193/what-active-role-did-the-u-s-play-in-syria). Damascus is believed to have been found between **8,000 and 10,000 years ago**, and it is thought to have been continuously inhabited since then. In addition to its impressive age, the city has a rich history and culture, and it is a popular tourist destination. Damascus is home to some of the world’s oldest mosques and other important historical sites, such as the **Umayyad Mosque** and **the Great Mosque of Damascus.** [**Athens**](https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/32759/what-is-athens-famous-for)**, the capital of Greece,** is also believed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back to the [**Neolithic era**](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Neolithic). Athens was the birthplace of democracy and is home to some of the most important archaeological sites in the world, such as the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Temple of Athena. The ancient city of **Byblos**, located in modern-day **Lebanon**, is also thought to be one of the oldest cities in the world. It is believed to have been founded around **5,000 BC** and has been inhabited since then. The city was an important trading port and is known for its distinctive architecture and art. Finally, the city of **Rome** has been around since the **8th century BC** and is home to some of the most important historical sites in the world. The ruins of the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Roman Forum are all located in Rome, and the city is also home to some of the oldest churches in the world. Ultimately, it’s impossible to determine which city is the oldest in the world, as different criteria can be applied. All of the cities mentioned above have incredibly long and interesting histories, making them all excellent candidates for the title of the ![Which is the oldest city in the world?](https://answers.mindstick.com/questionanswer/93a960f5-6fe2-4a6d-adc7-42c544d0ad81/images/836eab39-e966-44e0-b004-6fd14ab08b9d.jpg) oldest city in the world. --- Original Source: https://answers.mindstick.com/qa/98765/which-is-the-oldest-city-in-the-world Copyright © MindStick Software Pvt. Ltd. This Markdown version is provided for developers, AI systems, and offline reading.