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The most ancient cities in the world are like portals to the past, offering travellers a glimpse into humanity’s earliest achievements. From intricate temples to fascinating ruins, these ancient cities and sites tell stories of civilisation, culture, and human resilience. For adventurers looking to take a step back in time to connect with the roots of human history. In this article, we share some of the most ancient sites in the world that you can visit.
Backpacking is more than just a way to see the world—it’s a way to experience it. Every traveller has their own reason for going on a trip: some chase adventure, others seek connection and fun, and for many, travel is a way to learn. We love the kind of journeys that take us beyond the surface, into the heart of a place’s history. Visiting ancient cities allows us to walk the same paths as those who came before, to learn from the past, and to connect with ancestral wisdom that still lingers in the ruins, carvings, and sacred sites around the world.
There’s something extremely powerful about visiting these places. Whether it’s the energy of an ancient temple or the quiet peace from a centuries-old city lost to time, these sites have a way of grounding us. To be in the energy of ancient civilisations gives us the sense of being part of something bigger than ourselves.
What are the World’s Most Ancient Cities?
Human history is deeply intertwined with the stories of its ancient cities. Here are some of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities:
Damascus, Syria: With a history spanning over 4,000 years, Damascus is often regarded as one of the world’s oldest cities. It has served as a cultural, political, and commercial hub, shaped by empires such as the Greeks, Romans, and Ottomans.
Jericho, Palestine: Archaeological evidence suggests Jericho has been inhabited for over 11,000 years. Its ancient walls, built around 8,000 BCE, stand as a testament to early urban life.
Byblos, Lebanon: Dating back to around 5,000 BCE, Byblos is among the oldest Phoenician cities. This Mediterranean port city played a key role in the ancient timber trade and retains its charm with historical ruins and coastal beauty.
Athens, Greece: Known as the cradle of Western civilisation, Athens has been continuously inhabited since 5,000 BCE. It’s famed for its ancient landmarks, including the Acropolis and its enduring influence on art, philosophy, and democracy.
Susa, Iran: Established as early as 4,000 BCE, Susa was a major city of the Elamite, Persian, and Parthian empires. Its long history includes periods of great influence under the Persian Empire and even Alexander the Great.
Luxor, Egypt: Once known as Thebes, Luxor emerged around 3,200 BCE and is renowned for its extraordinary temples and monuments, such as Karnak and the Valley of the Kings, making it an open-air museum.
Most Ancient Cities in the World: The Sites
Petra, Jordan: The Rose City
Carved into the rose-red sandstone cliffs, Petra is a jewel of the ancient world. Dating back to the 4th century BCE, this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Jordan was once a bustling trade hub. Highlights include the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), the Monastery (Ad-Deir), and the intricate water channels that showcase the Nabateans’ engineering brilliance. It’s an ancient wonder of the world for good reason.
Pompeii, Italy: Ancient Roman City
The ancient ruins of Pompeii offer an unparalleled look into life in ancient Rome. Destroyed by Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD, the city’s preserved streets, mosaics, and villas reveal a story of vibrant urban life abruptly halted. Now a popular tourist site with audio guides, visitors can now get a glimpse of Roman life.
Newgrange, Ireland: A Neolithic Portal
You can discover Irish ancient sites like Newgrange, a passage tomb built over 5,000 years ago, making it older than the pyramids. It’s alignment with the winter solstice showcases the astronomical knowledge of its builders from when humans were deeply connected to the stars.
Ħaġar Qim, Malta: Stone Age Temples
If you are looking to check out some ancient sites in Malta then, Ħaġar Qim is a fascinating one to visit. Dating back to the Ġgantija phase (3600–3200 BC) this megalithic temple complex can be traced back to 3600 BCE. This UNESCO site is a one of the island’s highlights when it comes to prehistoric culture and ingenuity.
Stonehenge, England: Mysteries of the Neolithic
No list of historical sites in England is complete without Stonehenge. Dating back over 4,000 years, this iconic structure aligns with the solstices and invites speculation about its ceremonial purpose. You can visit this site and ponder its meaning whilst standing on powerful ley lines. According to a BBC articles on ley lines, they are believed to be powerful channels of energy and Stonehenge is believed to be an epicentre of earth-energy, with as many as 14 ley lines converging on the site. Stonehenge is considered a central hub for these lines, connecting to other significant ancient sites, such as Avebury and Glastonbury, forming a network of energy pathways. Talk about ancient power.
Delphi, Greece: The Navel of the Ancient World
There are no shortage of ancient sites in Greece, such as Delphi, once considered the centre of the world in Greek mythology. Home to the Oracle of Delphi, this site played a central role in ancient spirituality and decision-making. Delphi, in ancient Greece, is a significant religious sanctuary for the Greek god Apollo. It was believed to be the centre of the world, marked by the Omphalos stone, which symbolised the navel of the Earth.
Angkor Wat, Cambodia: The Largest Religious Monument
The grandeur of Angkor Wat lies in its scale and intricate carvings. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, this site exemplifies ancient architectural ingenuity. Wander through its vast temple complex and marvel at its connection to celestial patterns—a place where spirituality and astronomy converge. A popular destination for backpackers, this site is not one just to be ticked off the bucket-list but one to be really experienced.
Ephesus, Turkey: A Window into Ancient Greece and Rome
Ephesus, one of the most ancient cities in the world, holds layers of history. From its roots as a Greek settlement to its Roman grandeur. Highlights include the Library of Celsus, the Temple of Artemis, and the grand theatre. This is a must-visit for those intrigued by the crossroads of ancient civilisations.
Chichén Itzá, Mexico: Mayan Civilisation
Located in the Yucatan Peninsula, Chichén Itzá is home to ancient Mexican ruins, including the iconic El Castillo pyramid. A powerful place to experience the Mayan civilisation’s advanced knowledge of astronomy and architecture, this ancient wonder of the world holds a powerful energy. During the equinoxes, especially the Autumn Equinox, visitors experience a spectacular phenomenon where the sun casts a shadow that creates the illusion of a serpent slithering down the pyramid. Now that’s ancient wisdom in action.
Tikal, Guatemala: The Heart of the Mayan World
The lost Mayan cities of Tikal National Park are an incredible journey into the ancient Mayan civilisation. Surrounded by lush rainforests, these towering pyramids and temples are a reminder of the architectural and cultural achievements of the Classic Period. The site is considered sacred by the Maya, who have been reclaiming their cultural and spiritual identity. Tikal has become a place of religious ceremony, with a permanent altar for Maya religious ceremonies built there.
Bagan, Myanmar: Ancient Temples
Bagan, an ancient city in Myanmar, is dotted with thousands of temples and stupas, creating an inspiring landscape. It’s less crowded than Angkor Wat but equally enchanting, offering visitors a spiritual journey through Buddhist heritage. With over 10,000 Buddhist temples, pagodas, and monasteries constructed in the Bagan plains, the remains of over 2,200 still stand today.
Egypt: The Ultimate Ancient Mystery
Egypt’s ancient Egyptian ruins, such as the Pyramids of Giza, the temples of Luxor, and the Valley of the Kings, offer an unforgettable journey into one of the world’s earliest civilisations. These sites are living representation to the grandeur and mystery of ancient Egypt. For centuries, these ancient pyramids have captured the attention scholars, scientists, and historians alike. But did the ancient Egyptians build such impressive structures? How was it done so without modern technology?
These are the big questions that pull tourists to visit these structures. Nikola Tesla believed that the pyramids were more than just tombs for the pharaohs. He believed that they were energy generators, capable of producing free, limitless energy. His theory was based on the fact that the pyramids were made of conductive materials, such as granite and limestone, which could transmit energy. Just a running theory, but one that makes Egypt one of the most captivating places to visit.
FAQ: Most Ancient Cities in the World
Which Ancient Civilisation Left the Most Monuments?
The Egyptians, Romans, and Mayans left behind some of the most recognisable monuments, from the pyramids to the Colosseum and Chichén Itzá.
What Are the Best Ancient Sites in Turkey?
Top sites include Ephesus, Troy, and Göbekli Tepe, known as the world’s oldest temple.
How Did Archaeologists Determine the Ages of the Most Ancient Cities in the World?
When dating back the most ancient cities in the world Archaeologists use methods like carbon dating, studying pottery styles, and analysing architectural remains in order to estimate the ages of ancient cities.
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