A most Historical cities till now
- Varanasi (theme The Living City)
The land of Varanasi (Kashi) has been the place of pilgrimage for Hindus for ages final. Often it referred to as Benares, Varanasi is the oldest living city in the world. These few lines by Mark Twain say it all: “Benaras older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them together.” Hindus believe that someone who is decorated to die on the land of Varanasi would attain salvation and freedom from the cycle of birth and rebirth. Abode of Lord Shiva and Parvati, the origins of Varanasi are yet unknown. Ganges in Varanasi is believed to have the power to wash away the sins of mortals.
Ganges is said to have its origins in the tresses of Shiva and in Varanasi, it expands on this majestic river we know. The city is a center of learning and civilization for over 4000 years. With Sarnath, where Buddha preached his first sermon after enlightenment, just 10 km away, Varanasi has been a symbol of Hindu renaissance. Knowledge, philosophy, culture, devotion to the gods, the Arts and Crafts of India flourished here for centuries. It is also a place of pilgrimage for Jains, Varanasi is considered the cradle Parsvanath, twenty-third Tirthankara.
- Istanbul (660 BC)
As we discussed the Eastern Roman Empire continued to exist until 1453 its capital in Constantinople – now called Istanbul. Constantinople fell to the Turks, who established the Ottoman Empire in place, which has not survived until 1923 when the Sultanate was abolished and the Republic of Turkey was created. Arteifacts both Roman and Ottoman empires are today in Istanbul is probably the most important of which was the Hagia Sophia – the original church, but converted into a mosque by the Turks and then the Islamic museum in the country.
- Rome (753 BC)
Rome began as a collection of small villages that eventually became the city-state, governed by one of the most powerful empire known to man. The Roman Empire (which came from the Roman Republic) was relatively short – a solid foundation in its 27 BC its first emperor Augustus in his last, Romulus Augustus, was deposed in 476 AD (if the Eastern Roman Empire survived even 977 years).
- Damascus (1700 BC)
Damascus is the capital of Syria, and home to over 2.6 million people. Recent civil unrest, unfortunately, caused a lot of damage to one of the largest and oldest cities in history. He was named cultural heritage of the top 12 most at risk of destruction or irreparable damage. Only time will tell whether this ancient city to survive, or be assigned to history like other ancient lost city in the world.
- Athens (1400 BC)
Athens the capital of Greece, and is the largest city. Its history is fascinating 3400 years and much of the culture and customs of the ancient Athenians found a place in many other cultures, because of its dominant position in the region in a huge city-state. Many archaeological sites make it an ideal place to visit for those who have a passion for European history and culture city.
- Lisbon (1200 BC)
Lisbon is the largest city and the capital of Portugal. It is the oldest city in Western Europe – at the start of London, Rome and others. There were religious and funerary monuments, including Neolithic and archaeological evidence also suggests it was once an important trading post of the Phoenicians. In 1755, it was the devastating earthquake that almost completely destroyed because of fires and tsunamis – is one of the deadliest earthquakes in history.
- Puebla (500 BC)
Puebla is located in the Mexican state of Puebla, which began in the pre-Columbian city. His most famous site is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, which now seems a hill with a church on top; In fact, the base of the pyramid mound. The temple is the New World’s largest pyramid.
- Xian (1100 BC)
One of the four great ancient capitals of China, Xi’an is now the capital of Shaanxi Province. The city is full of ancient ruins, monuments, and still contains the old wall built in the Ming Dynasty – photos here. He also holds the tomb of Qin Shi Huang, who is best known for the Terracotta Army.
- Jerusalem (2000 BC)
Jerusalem is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered a holy city for Christianity, Islam and Judaism. It is the capital of Israel (but not all countries recognize this fact). In ancient times it was the famous city of David in the Bible and later, the place where Jesus began his last week of life.
- Plovdiv (Pre 400 BC)
Plovdiv is Bulgaria in modern times. When founded, it was called Eumolpias and was a Thracian village. It was conquered by the Macedonians, and eventually became part of what is now known as Bulgaria. It is second in size and importance to the capital of Sofia, which is about 150 km.