Luxor was established as a sacred religious capital, yet saw decline during the Roman occupation. Estimates place the time of habitation as 7200 B.C. The oldest continuously inhabited city in Africa, Luxor is home to about 500,000 residents and situated near the Nile River. Africa: Luxor (Thebes), Egypt Credit: cinoby / iStock Considered the oasis of the Jordan Valley, tourists make a pilgrimage to soak in the unique history of this biblical-era city. Local springs found near the city from the nearby Jordan River are a welcome water supply to the nearly 20,000 current residents. Located below sea level, Jericho has the distinction of not only being the oldest inhabited, walled city, but also geographically the lowest, located 847 feet below sea level. Researchers have uncovered 20 successive communities. with the walled defenses around 6800 B.C. Destroyed, abandoned, re-inhabited and enlarged many times, the city dates back to 11,000 to 9000 B.C. Middle East: Jericho, West Bank Credit: GA161076 / iStockīased on archeological support, it is suggested that Jericho is among the oldest inhabited cities in the world. Rebuilding and renovation projects have included a new airport, the Mariscal Sucre International Airport, an ecologically sustainable Metrobus-Ecovia that links the northern and southern edges of the city and a new subway system.
A renewing spirit of culture, economy and environmental resources has engaged the 2 million residents and their government. to 980 A.D., or the 13th or 16th century.ĭespite earthquakes, there is enough water for residential and industrial use that the city’s population continues to replenish itself. Sources cite varying dates for first-time inhabitants, stretching from the occupation of the Kingdom of Quito from 2000 B.C. Located at the Guayllabamba river basin, it is the capital of Ecuador. In South America, the oldest inhabited city is Quito in Ecuador. South America: Quito, Ecuador Credit: Andrew Linscott / iStock The local economy continues to endure, thanks to visitors from all over the world. This city is well known for the Iglesias de Nuestra Señora de los Remedios sanctuary. However, other information indicates that the peoples were the children of one of the seven Aztec tribes.Įighteen neighborhoods make up the city, and each one has a leader. The current thinking is that Toltec refugees settled in the area following the fall of Tula. The available data regarding the establishment of first-time inhabitants are conflicting, ranging from anywhere from 2000 B.C., between 800 B.C. It is the oldest continuously inhabited city in North America, expanding from a settlement to a village and is now a regional city. In North America, the pre-Columbian city of Cholula is found in the state of Puebla, Central Mexico. North America: Cholula, Mexico Credit: Orbon Alija / iStock All these society-friendly conditions continue to come together in some of the oldest cities on the continents of North America, South America, the Middle East, Africa and Europe. Maintenance of the ratio of birth and death rates, as well as immigration and migration, must balance the population.
A perpetual food and water supply, availability of work, enduring infrastructure and uninterrupted peace and harmony are classic explanations. The region needs a strong economy with quality and consistency in the creation of trade. Successful long-term dwelling habitation occurs from a blending of sources. On every continent we find some of the oldest cities that early human civilizations called home.