Jamesty
As the year 2025 approaches, people continue to be amazed by the enduring legacy that their earliest urban centers have left behind. These cities have been witnesses to the unfolding of millennia of history, witnessing their transformation from ancient settlements into thriving modern metropolises. They are testaments to the resiliency and unending inventiveness of the human race. The following list represents the consensus on the top 10 oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Although archaeological discoveries and historical interpretations can sometimes cause the precise dating to shift, the list that follows represents the top 10 cities.
List Of Top 10 Oldest Cities In The World 2025
1. Gaziantep, Turkey
Geographically located in the southeast of Turkey, Gaziantep is a bustling city that is well-known for its mouthwatering cuisine and its extensive historical fabric. Gaziantep has been a significant hub for a number of different civilizations, including the Hittites, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, and there is evidence of settlement dating back to the Paleolithic period. Additionally, it is recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and is considered to be the capital of pistachios in Turkey.
2. Plovdiv, Bulgaria
With a history that begins more than 8,000 years ago, the city of Plovdiv, which is situated in the southern region of Bulgaria, asserts that it is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Europe. Its advantageous location on the Maritsa River has attracted a variety of civilizations, including the Thracians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, all of which have left an indelible mark on the area. With great pride, Plovdiv was selected to serve as the European Capital of Culture in 2019.
3. Jericho, Palestine
Jericho, which is located in the Jordan Valley of Palestine, is frequently referred to as the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. It is also home to archaeological evidence of settlement that dates back more than 10,000 years. As a result of its abundant spring water, it was transformed into a vital oasis, which attracted early human communities and later served as a significant biblical site.
4. Byblos, Lebanon
Byblos, which is located on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon, is one of the oldest Phoenician cities. According to historical records, it has been continuously inhabited for more than seven thousand years. It is most famously associated with the development of the Phoenician alphabet, which was the precursor to many modern writing systems. It played a pivotal role in ancient trade and is most famously associated with this development.
5. Faiyum, Egypt
Faiyum is an ancient Egyptian city and an expansive oasis that has been continuously inhabited for millennia. It is situated to the southwest of Cairo. The worship of the crocodile god Sobek and the flourishing agricultural bounty of the Faiyum Oasis, which is fed by a branch of the Nile, are both intimately connected to the history of this region.
6. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem is one of the world’s most ancient and continuously inhabited urban centers. It is a city that holds a significant religious significance for the three major religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Over the course of its history, which spans thousands of years, thousands of empires, conflicts, and spiritual revelations have occurred. The Old City, which is known as a UNESCO World Heritage site, is separated into four distinct quarters, each of which possesses a distinct personality.
7. Rayy, Iran
Rayy, also known as Rhages, is one of the oldest cities in Iran, with a history that dates back more than 8,000 years. It is situated to the south of the city that is now known as Tehran. After serving as a significant center during the Sasanian Empire, it later flourished under a number of Islamic dynasties before falling into decline. It was a major city in ancient Media.
8. Sidon, Lebanon
Sidon, which in modern times is known as Saida, is another important Phoenician city located on the Mediterranean coast of Lebanon. It has a long and continuous history of settlement that dates back thousands of years. It was a prosperous trading port that was well-known for its production of purple dye and its maritime prowess. It participated in extensive trade networks that spanned the ancient world.
9. Athens, Greece
It is commonly acknowledged that Athens, the capital of Greece, is the birthplace of democracy, Western philosophy, and classical drama. Athens is a city that possesses an extraordinary legacy. Because it has been continuously inhabited for more than seven thousand years, it has seen the rise and fall of empires, and as a result, it has left behind an unparalleled collection of archaeological treasures.
10. Damascus, Syria
The city of Damascus, which serves as the capital of Syria, is recognized as one of the world’s longest continuously inhabited cities. There is evidence of settlement dating back more than 11,000 years, making it one of the most ancient cities in the world. Due to its advantageous location at a crossroads of trade routes, it became a prized possession for a number of different empires, which resulted in a diverse array of cultural influences across the region.
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