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.
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