Top 10 Oldest Cities in the World by Population Today

Cities are the heartbeat of human civilization, and some have been pulsing for thousands of years. From ancient trading hubs to modern metropolises, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities blend rich history with vibrant present-day life. In this post, we’ll explore some of these timeless urban centers, ranked by their current population sizes. These cities have weathered empires, wars, and time itself let’s dive into their stories and see how they stack up today.

The Oldest Cities by Population

Athens, Greece

• Age: Inhabited since ~5000 BCE (over 7,000 years)
• Current Population: ~3.8 million (metro area, 2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Known as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens boasts a legacy of democracy, philosophy, and art. From the Acropolis to its bustling modern streets, this city has thrived for millennia. Its Neolithic roots and Golden Age in the 5th century BCE make it a standout.

Damascus, Syria

• Age: Inhabited since ~10,000–8,000 BCE (up to 12,000 years)
• Current Population: ~2.6 million (metro area, 2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Often cited as the oldest continuously inhabited city, Damascus has been a cultural and commercial crossroads since antiquity. Despite modern challenges, its Old City a UNESCO World Heritage Site echoes with history from the Aramaeans to the Umayyads.

Luxor, Egypt (Ancient Thebes)

• Age: Inhabited since ~3200 BCE (over 5,200 years)
• Current Population: ~1.3 million (2020 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Once the mighty Thebes, capital of ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom, Luxor is home to iconic sites like the Valley of the Kings and Karnak Temple. Its population reflects its enduring role along the Nile.

Varanasi, India

• Age: Inhabited since ~3000 BCE (over 5,000 years)
• Current Population: ~1.2 million (2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Known as India’s spiritual capital, Varanasi’s ghats along the Ganges River draw pilgrims and tourists alike. Its ancient roots tie it to Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, making it a living relic.

Plovdiv, Bulgaria

• Age: Inhabited since ~6000 BCE (over 8,000 years)
• Current Population: ~350,000 (2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited city, Plovdiv blends Thracian, Roman, and Ottoman influences. Its Roman Theatre and cobblestone Old Town keep its ancient charm alive.

Byblos, Lebanon

• Age: Inhabited since ~5000 BCE (over 7,000 years)
• Current Population: ~100,000 (including surrounding areas, 2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: A Phoenician port that gave us the word “Bible” (from its papyrus trade), Byblos is a coastal gem with ruins spanning millennia. Its small but vibrant population keeps its legacy thriving.

Argos, Greece

• Age: Inhabited since ~5000 BCE (over 7,000 years)
• Current Population: ~22,000 (2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: One of Greece’s oldest cities, Argos played a key role in ancient mythology and history. Though smaller today, its archaeological sites hint at its past grandeur.

Jericho, West Bank

• Age: Inhabited since ~9000 BCE (over 11,000 years)
• Current Population: ~20,000 (2023 estimate)
• Why It’s Special: Often called the world’s oldest city, Jericho’s Neolithic walls and biblical fame (e.g., Joshua’s conquest) mark its significance. Its modest size today belies its ancient prominence.

Notes on Population and Age

• Population Estimates: These figures are approximate, sourced from recent data (e.g., World Population Review, UNESCO, and local stats). Metro areas are included where relevant, as ancient cities often sprawl beyond their original boundaries.
• Age Disputes: Exact founding dates vary due to differing definitions of “city” and “continuous habitation.” Archaeological evidence, like Jericho’s stone walls or Damascus’s Tell Ramad findings, guides these estimates.

Why These Cities Endure

What makes these cities last? Location often plays a role rivers (Varanasi, Luxor), trade routes (Damascus, Byblos), or defensible terrain (Jericho, Athens). Cultural and religious significance also sustains them, as does their ability to adapt through centuries of change. From mud-brick villages to modern hubs, they’ve evolved while retaining their historical essence.

Conclusion

The world’s oldest cities by population offer a window into humanity’s past and present. Whether you’re drawn to Athens’ philosophical roots or Jericho’s ancient walls, these urban survivors invite exploration. Which one’s on your travel list? Share your thoughts below!

Tags: Oldest Cities, Ancient History, Population, Travel, Archaeology, Urban History, Damascus, Athens, Jericho, Varanasi.