5 of the oldest cities in the world

The ground beneath these cities and perhaps some of the walls have vibrated to the tune of continuous human habitation not just for centuries, but millenia.

Damascus, Syria

One of the oldest cities in the Middle East, Damascus was founded in the 3rd millenium B.C., and through excavation sites, archeologists have been able to prove that the area was first inhabited sometime between 8,000 and 10,000 B.C. Located in present-day Syria, the city is a unique place as so many cultures have made it what it is today, including elements of Roman Greek city urban planning. Islam has also had a great influence, which is evident in the Umayyad Mosque. Also known as the Great Mosque, it is one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, built sometime between A.D 705 and 715

Athens, Greece

The capital and largest city in Greece, Athens is also, of course, one of the oldest cities in the world with continuous inhabitation since 5,000 B.C., or approximately 7,000 years. Once a powerful city-state and the birthplace of democracy, history buffs will love strolling around this city as it is brimming with historical gems, representing various empires such as the Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman. While Greece has suffered in recent years due to the economic downturn, it remains a popular destination with tourist seeking to experience the incredible history, art, cuisine, and people that Athens has to offer.

Sidon, Lebanon

Sidon, Lebanon is another city with a long, rich history. Indeed, it is believed that the area was inhaited sometime around 4,000 B.C. or possibly even earlier around 6,000 B.C., and it´s also widely held that historical figures such as Jesus, St. Paul and Alexander the Great all visited (the altter actually capturing the city). Located south of Beirut, this Phoenician city is now one of the largest cities in Lebanon and is home to Sayhad, a busy port. Much of Sidon´s history lies beneath the modern buildings, making it difficult for archeologists to conduct excavations; however, there are incredible sites that can be explored, including the Sidon Sea Castle.

Rayy, Iran

Part of the Greater Theran metropolitan area in Iran, Rayy, also spelled Rey or Ray is the oldest city in the province and one of the the oldest cities in the world with evidence supporting the fact the inhabitants go back as far as 6,000 B.C. Steeped in history, the city was emntioned as being a sacred place in the Avesta, which are the ancient scriptures of Zoroastrianism. Arabs captured the city in A.D. 641, and it was almost destroyed by the Mongols in 1220. Historical monuments that survive include the 12th century Tughrul Tower and the 5,000 year old Chesmeh Ali Hill, a hill with a spring and an excavation site where 7,000 year old artifacts were discovered.

Jerusalem, Israel

An important religious center for the Jewish, Christian, and Islamic faiths, Jerusalem is steeped in history. Some of the earliest inhabitants can be traced to 2,800 B.C and with a history that long. It´s safe to say that the city (like any city on this list) as been through a lot, including being besieged, attacked, and captured numerous times throughout itd existence. Jerusalem is home to many wonderful sites, including the Wetsrn Fall (c. 19 B.C) - a retaining wall of the holiest site, the Temple Mount, for the Jewish people -The Old City, built by King David in 1004 B.C., and the Mount of Olives