Which is the oldest city in the world that's still surviving?

Varanasi or Banaras is a bustling city in the heart of Indian Plains which has been existing since pre-historic times, which means it existed since before cities could be dated. A large number of Puranic tales have this city mentioned in them. Situated on the banks of the holy river Ganga or Ganges, it is the only pre-historic city that survives even today. The city matches the description given in ancient Hindu texts with most of the landmarks still in place as described in the books. It is a seat of learning of ancient Hindu philosophy in addition to ancient yogic practices. It's always bustling with tourists from all over the world seeking peace and enlightenment and learning of Hindu scriptures and texts. Hordes of people flock to this city just to witness the Ganga Aarti held on the banks of the the mighty Ganga every evening. It's also home to a very old University, The Banaras Hindu University, still one of the top Universities in the country.

More Info: varanasi.nic.in

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39 Comments

Heather P

Varanasi, India (founded 1800 BC) is not even in top 15 by modern standards. As with many other issues in the science of history, identifying the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city is a difficult and problematic process. There are many unknown and variable elements in this quest and sometimes myths and legends interfere with reality and facts. Since this question was first raised, there have been countless claims and counterclaims, architectural digs and evidence that go in favor (or not) of a certain city. A big problem in the historical search for the oldest continuously inhabited city is the methodology by which a settlement is designated as a city. According to some scholars, the crucial moment of defining comes when a settlement grows from self-sustainability to trade, and others think that it’s when it develops infrastructure such as plumbing. Another debate is held about whether a city could exist without agriculture. With all things considered, it’s virtually impossible to determine the world’s oldest city, because, with every discovery, the title shifts from one city to another. Most recent agreed titles: Jericho, West Bank Palestine is oldest 8000 BC. Then Çatalhöyük, West Turkey 6000 BC. Byblos, Lebanon 5000 BC. Damascus and Aleppo, Syria 4300 BC. Athens, Greece 4000 BC. Luxor, Egypt 3200 BC.

Fred Zeb Fudpucker

Not even close at 1000BC. 15 others vie for oldest at 3000BC. Author must be from India.

robert

I disagree with their answer, I think it is probably Athens Greece.

Ingrid Blaschke Fugate

I can see people wrote in 3 years ago this is the wrong answer, why put out repeat questions with the wrong answer over and over again. Second time it happen to me today and I am losing points

George Flory

This answer Varanasi is wrong

Raymond Cardona

I was certain that either Aleppo or Damascus both in Syria were the oldest cities in the world Bonnie

Joy Holbrook

Jeff Hughes, actually, it’s Rome.

Pat Anne Hughes Everett

Please amend the question's answer.

lls

Damascus was not on the list, but I feel it should have been.

Jeff Hughes

The oldest of the cities listed is Athens, which is not nearly the oldest continuously inhabited cities.

John McLardie

It's either Jericho or Damascus; depending on which source you accept. Reported.

Fred Keogh

Robbed AGAIN! 3 year old question and STILL wrong!

Angel Palacios Zea

And Jericho?

rkcorrigan

Again, yet another question up for debate as no one really knows what is truly the oldest continuous city in the world.

Richard D. Boyle

Heather P, Thank you for shining light in a very dim corner. Question should have never passed review. I think most of us knew that the other three options were not in the running so the unknown was picked by default. .