1Byblos, Lebanon
The first inhabitants to settle in Byblos arrived here way back in 5,000 BC. Byblos is a name given to the by the Greeks, when they were involved in a papyrus trade with it. Predictably, the word Bible has been coined from Byblos, and some of this fascinating ancient city’s most prominent things to see include the erstwhile Phoenician temples, the Old City Wall and the Byblos Castle. The St. John the Baptist Church is another much visited attraction. Attend the Byblos International Festival that features a series of contemporary music bands.
2Aleppo, Syria
Aleppo’s earliest inhabitants date back to 4,300 BC. Syria’s densely populated city houses a population of about 4.4 million residents. Though the erstwhile city is occupied by a more contemporary feel, its ancient roots remain untouched by archeologists. Though it was initially ruled by Greeks and Assyrians, it was later occupied Romans and Arabs. A majority of Aleppo’s ancient structures no longer exist owing to conflict within the region.
3Faiyum, Egypt
The earliest inhabitants to Faiyam came here in 4,000 BC. Head to the southwest of Cairo to reach Faiyum. The ancient city houses a big chunk of Crocodilpolis, one of the country’s oldest cities where a sacred crocodile (Pestsuchos) was worshipped. Today Faiyum houses several big street markets, public baths and mosques. Visit the Hawara and Lehin pyramids located in the vicinity. Make a day trip to Faiyum to discover the region’s myriad little known treasures while visiting Cairo.
4Poldiv, Bulgaria
The most ancient settlers here were known to arrive as early as 4,000 BC. Bulgaria’s second largest metropolis was once a Tracian settlement, followed by being a Roman and Byzantine city. Today, Poldiv is a significant cultural hub that features multiple ancient ruins such as an intriguing Roman amphitheatre and a series of Ottomon public baths.
5Beirut, Lebanon
The earliest settlers arrived during 3,000 BC in the Lebanese Capital. Beirut’s history stretches 5,000 years back. Archeologists have discovered excavations offering traces of Roman, Ottoman, Hellenistic and Arab civilizations. After the Lebanese civil war ended, Beirut has transformed into one of the region’s liveliest and chicest tourist metros. What are some of the most prominent tourist attractions that visitors can enjoy in Beirut? Start with the National Museum of Beirut, while later moving to the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, and the ancient Roman Baths.
6Jerusalem ,Israel
Jerusalem is often credited with being the epicenter of the world’s most prominent religions, as well as a spiritual destination. The holy center for Catholics, Jews and Muslims was first inhabited in 2,800 BC. Today, it still holds relics of several prominent religious sites (that are much sought after by worshippers and tourists alike) including the iconic Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Holy Sepulchre. The city has seen a series of tumultuous times when it was captured around two dozen times and destroyed at least on two occasions.
7Gaziantep, Turkey
Located in Southern Turkey in the vicinity of the Syrian border, Gaziantep had its foremost inhabitants in 3,650 BC. Gaziantep’s civilization goes back to the Hittites and the Byzantines. The city’s Ravanda citadel dates back to the sixth century, and its restoration is credited to the Byzantines. Some other relics offering evidence of ancient civilization also includes Roman mosaics.
