Thousands of years ago, these cities were centers of trade, religion, and power. Remarkably, many remain active communities today.
1. Athens, Greece
Athens has been continuously inhabited for more than 3,000 years.
Once the center of ancient Greek democracy and philosophy, the city is still Greece’s capital and remains a major cultural, political, and economic hub.
2. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem has been a major religious and cultural center for thousands of years.
The city has been shaped by countless civilizations, including ancient Jewish kingdoms, Roman rule, Byzantine influence, and later Islamic and European periods.
3. Damascus, Syria
Often considered one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, Damascus has a history stretching back thousands of years.
Its location along ancient trade routes helped it become a center of commerce, craftsmanship, and culture.
4. Varanasi, India
Located along the Ganges River, Varanasi has been an important spiritual center for more than 2,000 years.
The city remains one of Hinduism’s holiest destinations and continues to attract millions of visitors and pilgrims.
5. Rome, Italy
Founded more than 2,700 years ago, Rome grew from a small settlement into the heart of one of history’s greatest empires.
Today, it remains Italy’s capital and a global center for history, art, architecture, and tourism.
6. Xi’an, China
Xi’an was one of China’s most important ancient capitals and the eastern starting point of the Silk Road.
The city remains a major urban center today and is famous worldwide for the nearby Terracotta Army discovered in 1974.