3Athens, Greece – Around 5000 BC
Athens deserves a place on any list of the world’s oldest cities. Archaeological evidence shows that the area has been inhabited since the Neolithic period, with estimates commonly placing early settlement around 5000 BC.
The city became one of the most influential centers of the ancient world, particularly during the 5th century BC. Philosophy, theatre, political thought, art and architecture flourished during this period.
The Acropolis remains its most famous symbol. UNESCO describes it as a monumental complex representing the classical spirit and civilization of ancient Greece. The first fortification walls on the Acropolis date back to the 13th century BC.
What makes Athens especially fascinating is that its ancient history is not preserved only in museums. Ancient ruins, Byzantine churches, neoclassical buildings and modern neighborhoods are all part of the living city.
