20 ANCIENT CITIES TO VISIT
- Nicole
- Apr 4, 2016
- 2 min read
Ancient cities - what is it about them that pulls us in? Year after year, millions of tourist flock to ancient cities like Rome and Athens out of curiosity and the need to know more. I'm one of those individuals who has an endless curiosity for history, historical figures and stories that make you wonder if they're really true. Here's our list of the top 20 ancient cities to visit.
Luxor, Egypt - "Open Air Museum"
Often overshadowed by it's neighbouring city Cairo, Luxor has just as much to offer when it comes to history. It has been dubbed the World's largest "Open Air Museum" due to the number to ruins within the modern city and easily accessible, including The Valley of the Kings and Queens.
Fez, Morocco
Also know as the "Athens" of Africa and the oldest city in Morocco, Fez has was founded in the 9th century.
Mexico City, Mexico
Mexico City has been named one of the 2016 "hot spots", not only will you find a vibrant city with a contemporary lifestyle but you'll also find a story behind everything.
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
Santo Domingo, which was conquered by Columbus of Spain, is the oldest European establishment in the New World (The Americas).
Cusco, Peru
Cusco was the capital of the Inca Empire and possibly the oldest city of the Americas.
Varasani, India
Known as the Holy City of India, Varasani is held highly by Indians across the country.
Beijing, China
One of the four ancient cities of China, Beijng was the capital of the Mongols in 1271.
Seoul, South Korea
Once the capital of the unified nation in 1394.
Byblos, Lebanon
Some beg to differ but Byblos has the potential to be the oldest city in the world. It received its name from the Greeks who inhabited it at the time who named it after their "book" the Bible.
Tyre, Lebanon
The town Alexander the Great destroyed.
Jaffa, Israel
Jaffa Port is thought to be where Jonah set sail.
Jerusalem, Israel
The Holiest city of Judaism and Christianity.
Argos, Greece
Argos was named after the son of Zeus but fell to Spartan power.
Lisbon, Portugal
With over 300 000 years of history, Lisbon has been under rule by Christians, then Muslims then Christians once again. You can see much resemblance to the Muslim religion and culture in the remaining architecture in the city.
Malaga, Spain
Ruled by the Phoenecians, Greeks, Romans, Visigoths, Byzantine and Muslims at different times, Malaga is a city filled with stories and various cultural influences.
Kroton, Italy (Calabria)
Once a city of power founded by the Achaean Greeks.
Marseilles, France
Did you know this great French city was founded by the Greeks in 600BC? It wasn't until 1480 that it became a part of France.
Trier, Germany
The oldest city in Germany.
Jericho, West Bank
The city where Joshua of Jericho was able to cause the walls to come tumbling down.
Faiyum, Egypt
Possibly the oldest city in the world, Faiyum was once referred to as "Corocodilopolis" where citizens worshipped a sacred crocodile named Petsuchos.
Comentarios