Ever
since man learned to grow their own food and rear cattle, they have
been living in permanent to semi-permanent settlements with certain
degree of planning. Although opinions vary on whether any particular
ancient settlement can be considered to be a city, there is no doubt
that towns and cities have a long history.
The
earliest civilizations in history were established in the region known
as Mesopotamia, largely corresponding to modern-day Iraq, northeastern
Syria, southeastern Turkey and southwestern Iran. Archaeological remains
unearthed in Mesopotamia provides proof of settlements dating back to
10,000 BC. After Mesopotamia, the city culture arose in Syria and
Anatolia, as shown by the city of Çatalhöyük (7500-5700BC). Mohenjodaro
of the Indus Valley Civilization in present-day Pakistan existed from
about 2600 BC and was one of the largest ancient cites with a population
of 50,000 or more.
While
it might not be too difficult to determine which is the oldest city in
the world, there is fierce contention for the title of the oldest
continuously inhabited city in the world. Often the age claims are
disputed and historical evidences are difficult to prove. Then there are
differences in opinion as to the definitions of "city" as well as
"continuously inhabited". In any case, the following cities besides
being some of the ancient in the world, they continue to grow and thrive
until the present day.
01. Jericho, Israel
Continuously Inhabited Since: 9000 BC
Jericho
is a city located near the Jordan River in the West Bank of the
Palestinian territories, capital of the Jericho Governorate and with a
modest population of around 20,000. Situated well below sea level
Jericho is believed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the
world.
Described
in the Old Testament as the "City of Palm Trees", copious springs in
and around Jericho have made it an attractive site for human habitation
for thousands of years. Archaeologists have unearthed the remains of
more than 20 successive settlements in Jericho, the first of which dates
back 11,000 years (9000 BCE), almost to the very beginning of the
Holocene epoch of the Earth's history.
During
the Younger Dryas period of cold and drought, permanent habitation of
any one location was not possible. However, the spring at what would
become Jericho was a popular camping ground for hunter-gatherer groups,
who left a scattering stone tools behind them. Around 9600 BCE the
droughts and cold of the Younger Dryas Stadial had come to an end,
making it possible for groups to extend the duration of their stay,
eventually leading to year round habitation and permanent settlement. By
about 9400 BCE Jericho had more than 70 dwellings, and was home to over
1000 people. 10 more cities after the break...
