5 Ancient Cities on the Earth-That Still Exist
This video explores 5 of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world that have survived to the present day. These ancient urban settlements, some dating back over 4,000 years, stand as living connections to the distant past and the cradles of early human civilization.
The video will take viewers on a journey to:
Jericho (West Bank) - One of the oldest continuously occupied cities, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 9000 BC. The video will highlight Jericho's strategic location, ancient walls, and archaeological treasures.
Byblos (Lebanon) - An ancient Phoenician port city with origins dating to the 5th millennium BC. The video will showcase Byblos' rich history as a center of trade and culture, as well as its impressive Crusader-era ruins.
Varanasi (India) - Also known as Benares, this holy city on the Ganges River has been a spiritual center for Hinduism and Buddhism for over 3,000 years. The video will explore Varanasi's sacred temples, ghats, and ancient traditions.
Damascus (Syria) - Considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with evidence of settlement from the 2nd millennium BC. The video will highlight Damascus' storied past as a major hub of the Silk Road and its architectural gems like the Umayyad Mosque.
Luoyang (China) - An ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties, with a history stretching back over 4,000 years. The video will showcase Luoyang's impressive archaeological sites, including the Longmen Grottoes and the ruins of the Sui and Tang-era imperial palaces.
Through vivid imagery, historical insights, and stories of endurance, this video will reveal how these 5 ancient cities have persisted and adapted over millennia, standing as enduring testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of human civilization
The video will take viewers on a journey to:
Jericho (West Bank) - One of the oldest continuously occupied cities, with evidence of settlement dating back to around 9000 BC. The video will highlight Jericho's strategic location, ancient walls, and archaeological treasures.
Byblos (Lebanon) - An ancient Phoenician port city with origins dating to the 5th millennium BC. The video will showcase Byblos' rich history as a center of trade and culture, as well as its impressive Crusader-era ruins.
Varanasi (India) - Also known as Benares, this holy city on the Ganges River has been a spiritual center for Hinduism and Buddhism for over 3,000 years. The video will explore Varanasi's sacred temples, ghats, and ancient traditions.
Damascus (Syria) - Considered the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, with evidence of settlement from the 2nd millennium BC. The video will highlight Damascus' storied past as a major hub of the Silk Road and its architectural gems like the Umayyad Mosque.
Luoyang (China) - An ancient capital of multiple Chinese dynasties, with a history stretching back over 4,000 years. The video will showcase Luoyang's impressive archaeological sites, including the Longmen Grottoes and the ruins of the Sui and Tang-era imperial palaces.
Through vivid imagery, historical insights, and stories of endurance, this video will reveal how these 5 ancient cities have persisted and adapted over millennia, standing as enduring testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of human civilization
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TravelTranscript
00:00Did you know that Jericho is often considered the oldest city in the world?
00:08Archaeologists estimate it's over 11,000 years old.
00:11Just think about that for a second, 11 millennia.
00:14Jericho was founded near a lush oasis that still exists today.
00:18This city was crucial due to its proximity to the Jordan River.
00:22Imagine ancient people settling here, drawn by water in a desert landscape.
00:26The city is believed to have been founded by the Natufian people.
00:30In its glory days it was known for its massive walls and a thriving community.
00:35Today Jericho is a quiet town with relics of its magnificent past still visible.
00:40Traces of ancient towers, walls and archaeological sites abound.
00:44The profession of archaeology itself is historically famous here thanks to the city's rich past.
00:49Currently Jericho has a population of around 20,000 people.
00:53It's a fascinating mix of ancient history and modern living.
01:00Byblos, Lebanon
01:02Byblos is another contender for the title of the oldest city.
01:06Records suggest Byblos is over 7,000 years old.
01:10Founded by the early Phoenicians, it was initially a fishing village.
01:13It quickly became famous for its shipbuilding and the production of papyrus.
01:18This is actually where the word Bible originates from.
01:21Incredible, right?
01:22Byblos was a crossroads of ancient civilizations.
01:25Today Byblos is a charming mix of ancient ruins and vibrant modern life.
01:30You can visit ancient temples, medieval buildings and vibrant markets all in one day.
01:35It's amazing to see how a city has adapted over thousands of years.
01:39Currently around 40,000 people call Byblos home.
01:42They live amidst history, with every corner of the city telling a story.
01:49Athens, Greece
01:51Athens, a name synonymous with history, philosophy and art, has been inhabited for over 5,000
01:56years.
01:57Founded by the Mycenaeans, Athens is the birthplace of democracy.
02:01Who laid the foundation?
02:02According to legend, it was the mighty god Zeus himself.
02:05Athens was famous for its thinkers like Plato and Aristotle.
02:09Moreover, the architectural marvel, the Parthenon, sits atop the city, watching over it through
02:14ages.
02:15Today Athens is a bustling metropolis blending ancient history with the rush of modern life.
02:21Its current population is around 3 million people.
02:24The city still throngs with visitors eager to explore its ancient roots.
02:29One historically famous profession here was philosophy, shaping much of Western thought.
02:35Varanasi, India, referred to as one of the oldest continually inhabited cities, Varanasi
02:42dates back over 5,000 years.
02:46Founded on the banks of the sacred river Ganges, it holds a special place in Hindu mythology.
02:51It's said that Varanasi was founded by Lord Shiva, one of Hinduism's principal deities.
02:56The city was famous for its muslin and silk fabrics, perfumes, ivory works and sculpture.
03:03Today Varanasi is a major cultural and spiritual centre.
03:06It's incredible how the city pulsates with life during religious festivals.
03:11Currently about 1.2 million people live here amidst its many temples and labyrinthine alleys.
03:17The city's historic profession of silk weaving still thrives, adding to its rich cultural
03:21tapestry.
03:26Luoyang, China.
03:27Last but certainly not least, Luoyang.
03:30This city's history goes back more than 4,000 years.
03:33Founded during the Xia dynasty, it served as a capital for several dynasties.
03:37It was renowned for its magnificent palaces and as a centre for Buddhist art.
03:42Interestingly, it is also home to the Longmen Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
03:48These grottoes house thousands of Buddha statues and inscriptions.
03:52Today, Luoyang is an important cultural and industrial hub.
03:56The city marries history with modernity and hosts over 6 million residents.
04:01It continues to be a place where the past is always present.
04:07So there you have it, five incredible cities that offer a window into human civilization's
04:12distant past.
04:13I hope you enjoyed this virtual time travel.
04:16Remember, these cities aren't just historical landmarks, they are living, breathing places.
04:21Each stone and path tells a story of resilience and adaptation.
04:25Let me know in the comments which city fascinated you the most.
04:28Also, don't forget to like, share and subscribe if you want to join us on more adventures
04:32like this.
04:34Until next time, keep exploring the wonders of our world.