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Draft:Oldest Cities in History by Urbanization and Continuous Habitation

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The Oldest Cities in History: Ranked by Urbanization and Continuous Inhabitation

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This article presents a ranked list of the world's oldest cities based on **verified archaeological evidence of early urbanization** combined with **continuous habitation into the present day**.

Unlike many “oldest city” lists that include abandoned or destroyed sites (such as Uruk), this list focuses only on cities that: - Were urbanized in **ancient times** (not just settlements) - Have had **unbroken human presence** - Are **still inhabited today**

Rank City Country Urbanization Date (approx.) Notes Sources
1 Susa (Shush) Iran c. 4200 BCE Susa, continuously inhabited since around 4200 BCE, was a major center of power, culture, and innovation in human history. It became urbanized even before the rise of the Sumerians, establishing early trade relations with them. Extensive excavations have revealed monumental structures, advanced urban planning, administrative artifacts, and over 27 settlement layers, earning Susa recognition as a significant ancient urban center by UNESCO. [1][2][3]
2 Rey (Rhagae, now within Tehran) Iran c. 3200 BCE Cheshmeh-Ali excavations indicate habitation from 5500 BCE, with urbanization by 3200 BCE. Rey, known today as the historical heart of Tehran, was also a significant center of Zoroastrianism, one of the world's oldest religions. [4][5][6]
3 Byblos Lebanon c. 3000 BCE One of the oldest Phoenician cities; continuously inhabited and engaged in early trade with Egypt. [7]
4 Aleppo Syria c. 3000 BCE Inhabited since the 6th millennium BCE; developed into a major urban center in the 3rd millennium BCE. [8]
5 Erbil (Arbil) Iraq c. 3000 BCE Known for its citadel mound, one of the oldest continuously inhabited sites with stratified urban layers. [9]
6 Sidon Lebanon c. 3000 BCE Prominent Phoenician city with continuous habitation and maritime trade. [7]
7 Jerusalem Israel/Palestine c. 2800 BCE Canaanite and later Israelite capital with a deep spiritual and political legacy. [10]
8 Varanasi India c. 2500–2000 BCE Religious center with uninterrupted habitation; considered one of Hinduism's holiest cities. [11]
9 Plovdiv Bulgaria c. 2500 BCE Thracian origins; Europe's oldest living city with Roman and medieval layers. [12]
10 Faiyum (Shedet) Egypt c. 2300 BCE Religious and administrative center in Egypt’s Old Kingdom. [13]
11 Damascus Syria c. 2200 BCE Urban evidence dates to the Early Bronze Age. [14]
12 Shiraz Iran c. 2000 BCE First recorded in Elamite tablets; continuous occupation through various periods. [15]
13 Balkh Afghanistan c. 2000 BCE Ancient trade and spiritual center, continuously inhabited. [16]
14 Argos Greece c. 2000 BCE Mycenaean origin, continuously inhabited European city. [17]
15 Kirkuk Iraq c. 2000 BCE Continuous habitation from early urban settlements; historical center for trade and culture. [18]

References

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  1. ^ UNESCO World Heritage Centre, "Susa"
  2. ^ Encyclopaedia Iranica, "Susa i. Excavations"
  3. ^ Tehran Times, "Susa: Iran's legendary city"
  4. ^ Encyclopaedia Iranica, "Ray i. Archeology"
  5. ^ Tehran Times, "Late Bronze Age discovery in Rey"
  6. ^ Iran Daily, "6000-year-old skeleton unearthed in Rey"
  7. ^ a b Markoe, G. (2000). The Phoenicians
  8. ^ Burns, R. (2017). Aleppo: A History
  9. ^ British Museum, "City of the Citadel"
  10. ^ Finkelstein, I. & Silberman, N.A. (2001). The Bible Unearthed
  11. ^ Eck, D.L. (2013). Banaras: City of Light
  12. ^ Plovdiv Tourism, "Oldest city in Europe"
  13. ^ Bard, K.A. (2008). An Introduction to the Archaeology of Ancient Egypt
  14. ^ Freedman, D.N. (2000). Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible
  15. ^ Mehr News Agency, "Ancient tablets hint at Shiraz's deep historical roots"
  16. ^ Litvinsky, B.A. (1994). History of Civilizations of Central Asia
  17. ^ Cartledge, P. (2009). Ancient Greece: A History in Eleven Cities
  18. ^ Encyclopædia Britannica, "Kirkuk"
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