The history of Russia is almost intangible. Despite the many facts and reliable sources, fully study everything important dates almost impossible. However, the story covers a lot interesting events, cultural heritage and architectural heritage, due to different cities. We suggest you consider the oldest cities in Russia. In this list you will see settlements, which existed even before the advent of our era. Many of these cities ceased to exist. Others received new names.
TOP 10 Oldest cities in Russia
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Currently, the city's population is 532 thousand people. The name appeared at the beginning of the 11th century in connection with the name of the principality, which was located on the right bank of the Oka River. Nowadays, this city attracts many tourists due to its cultural heritage, history and land. Ancient territory The Russian Federation contains the St. John the Theologian monasteries. There is the Trinity Monastery and, in fact, the Ryazan Monastery. In addition there are many museums and a nature reserve.
The population of this, one of the oldest cities in Russia, is 603 thousand people. The history of the city dates back to 1010. In the past, the city of Yaroslavl was called “the city of a hundred churches” translated from Latin. On this moment The settlement includes 30 churches. But this does not reduce its cultural and historical value. To this day, this place has preserved many interesting cathedrals and amazing architecture. In 1516, the Transfiguration Cathedral was built here, which still attracts tourists to this day.
The population of this wonderful city is 1.2 million people. This settlement was founded in 1005. It stands on the border of the Volga region. It's about about the unique cultural property and heritage of Russia. Actually, for this reason the city is included in the UNESCO heritage list. One of the main assets is the Kazan Kremlin, which was built of white brick. At the same time, the main asset of the Republic of Tatarstan to this day is the Kul Sharif mosque.
Another oldest city in the Russian Federation is Vladimir, which consists of over 362 thousand people. We are talking about a city-museum, a ring city of the Russian Federation. In this place you can find a huge number of different monuments and shops. For these reasons, this place is loved by tourists from different countries peace. This city also made it into the top 10 due to the presence of old houses. Some buildings are more than three hundred years old. The property includes the Dmitrievsky Cathedral, the Assumption Church and much more.
Currently, the population of this settlement reaches 110 thousand people. Legends and various epics are composed about this place to this day. In addition, this city is even mentioned in the story “Seasons”. It is from this work that we can learn about the former greatness of the city. In ancient times, tribes of Finno-Ugric origin lived here. The first ruler of the city is Prince Vladimir. Later the throne went to his son.
The next five in the Top 10 oldest cities in Russia is Suzdal. Currently, the population reaches only 10 thousand people. It should be noted that in different sources The date of the city's founding is interpreted differently. Some inscriptions date back to 1024, others say the city was founded in 987. It is known for sure that the city appeared as a result of the merger of two settlements. Today the city is considered part of the Golden Ring of the Russian Federation.
The population of the city is 330 thousand people. This settlement was first mentioned in 946. The city is discussed in the story “Seasons”. It is believed that the settlement appeared thanks to the Krivichi tribe. And it all started like this. Prince Oleg acquired Smolensk and annexed it to Ancient Rus'. Later he made the ruler of this city his son Igor. He immediately could not cope with the management of the territory, which is why control over the city was carried out from Kyiv. The main attractions include the Boris and Gleb Monastery and the Church of the Theologian.
The number is 221 thousand people. We are talking about one of the ancient cities Russian Federation, which is rightfully considered unique. This is due to the presence of a huge number architectural objects. There are many monuments and amazing structures that are over 300 years old. For tourists, it should be said that this place has St. Sophia Cathedral. We are talking about the heritage of an entire nation. In addition, the city is considered religious, because the center of the country includes many churches. At the same time, all buildings attract with exquisite design.
Over the entire history of human existence, the world has seen both the rise and fall of millions of cities, many of which, during periods of special glory and prosperity, were captured, destroyed or abandoned. Thanks to new technologies, archaeologists are looking for and finding them. Buried under sand, ice or mud former glory and former greatness. But many of the rare cities passed the time test, and so did their residents. We offer an overview of cities that have existed for centuries and continue to live.
Ancient cities withstood and survived despite various difficulties - wars, natural disasters, population migration, modern standards. They have changed a little thanks to progress, but have not lost their originality, preserving both the architecture and the memory of people.
15. Balkh, Afghanistan: 1500 BC
The city, which in Greek sounded like Bactra, was founded in 1500 BC, when the first people settled in this area. The “Mother of Arab Cities” has stood the test of time. And indeed, from the moment of its foundation, the history of many cities and empires began, including the Persian kingdom. The era of prosperity is considered to be the heyday of the Silk Road. Since then, the city has experienced both ups and downs, but is still a center of the textile industry. Today, the former grandeur is gone, but the mysterious atmosphere and timelessness have been preserved.
14. Kirkuk, Iraq: 2,200 BC
The first settlement appeared here in 2200 BC. The city was controlled by both the Babylonians and the Medes - everyone appreciated its advantageous location. And today you can see the fortress, which is already 5,000 years old. Although it is only a ruin, it is an outstanding part of the landscape. The city is located 240 km from Baghdad and is one of the centers of the oil industry.
13. Erbil, Iraq: 2300 BC
This mysterious city appeared in 2300 BC. It was the main center of trade and concentration of wealth. For centuries it was controlled by various peoples, including the Persians and Turks. During the existence of the Silk Road, the city became one of the main caravan stops. One of its fortresses is still a symbol of the ancient and glorious past.
12. Tyre, Lebanon: 2750 BC
The first settlement appeared here in 2750 BC. Since that time, the city has survived many conquests, many rulers and generals. At one time, Alexander the Great conquered the city and ruled for several years. In 64 AD it began to belong to the Roman Empire. Today it is a beautiful tourist city. There is a mention of it in the Bible: “Who determined this to Tire, who distributed crowns, whose merchants [were] princes, whose merchants were celebrities of the earth?”
11. Jerusalem, Middle East: 2800 BC
Jerusalem is probably the most famous of the cities mentioned in the review in the Middle East, if not the world. It was founded in 2800 BC. and played an important role in human history. In addition to being a world religious center, the city has many historical buildings and artifacts, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city has a rich history - it was besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times. In addition, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice.
10. Beirut, Lebanon: 3000 BC
Beirut was founded in 3000 BC. and became the main city of Lebanon. Today it is a capital city renowned for its cultural and economic heritage. Beirut has been a tourist city for many years. It existed for 5,000 years, despite the fact that it passed from hand to hand of the Romans, Arabs and Turks.
9. Gaziantep, Türkiye: 3,650 BC
Like many ancient cities, Gaziantep has survived the rule of many nations. Since its founding in 3650 BC, it has been in the hands of the Babylonians, Persians, Romans and Arabs. The Turkish city is proud of its multinational historical and cultural heritage.
8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 4000 BC
The Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has existed for more than 6,000 years. It was founded in 4000 BC. Before the control of the Roman Empire, the city belonged to the Thracians, and was later under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Different nations left their cultural and historical mark on its history, for example, Turkish baths or the Roman style in architecture.
7. Sidon, Lebanon: 4000 BC
This unique city was founded in 4000 BC. At one time, Sidon was captured by Alexander the Great, and Jesus Christ and St. Paul were there. Thanks to its glorious and rich past, the city is valued in archaeological circles. It is the oldest and most important Phoenician settlement that still exists today.
6. El Fayoum, Egypt: 4,000 BC
The ancient city of Faiyum, founded in 4000 BC, is a historical part of the ancient Egyptian city of Crocodilopolis, an almost forgotten city where people worshiped the sacred crocodile Petsuchus. Nearby are the pyramids and the large center. Everywhere in the city and beyond there are signs of antiquity and cultural heritage.
5. Susa, Iran: 4200 BC
In 4200 B.C. was founded ancient city Susa, which is now called Shush. Today it is home to 65,000 inhabitants, although there were once more. At one time it belonged to the Assyrians and Persians and was the capital of the Elamite Empire. The city has survived a long and tragic story, but remains one of the most ancient cities in the world.
4. Damascus, Syria: 4300 BC
Russia is a country with an ancient history, and although it cannot compete with such patriarchs as Greece or India, there are also cities here that date back more than one century.
The age of this city is determined only approximately - about 5 thousand years, it is impossible to say more precisely. But even such an approximate calculation makes us respect this city. It was also mentioned by ancient Greek scientists, in particular by the geographer Hectius of Miletus, calling the city the Caspian Gate. The city really is located on a unique section of the mountain road, blocking the only passage.
It is located on the territory of the Republic of Dagestan, which today belongs to Russia. This causes a lot of controversy on the question of whether Derbent can be classified as an ancient city of Russia, because when it appeared and became famous, Russia did not yet exist at all, and it is difficult to call it Russian. However, it must be recognized that it is indeed the oldest settlement within the borders modern Russia.
But this city does not cause any controversy. This is truly one of the first cities to appear on the territory of Russia; in many ways, its history began with this city. Even the date of its foundation is known - 859 AD. Of course, there were settlements before this, but only Veliky Novgorod became large enough to be called a city, and it has also been preserved to this day not only in the form of a mound.
Today Veliky Novgorod is a real museum city under open air. Ancient cathedrals, churches, ancient museums, houses and buildings - coming here without a camera is a real crime.
This is the case when the name perfectly matches the essence; Ladoga is not just old, it is very old. It is believed that there were settlements in this place even longer, but they united into a city in 753. The location of the city was extremely successful - on a difficult rift between two lakes, so it quickly grew into an important shopping mall ancient Rus'. True, historians consider the year of the city’s foundation to be 862, at the time of its first mention, which immediately throws it back in the ranking of the country’s ancient cities.
Now Staraya Ladoga is a village with relatively little big amount residents are only about two thousand people, but it holds the proud title of the ancient capital of Northern Rus'.
This ancient city belongs to a whole galaxy of settlements, the foundation of which dates back to the same year 862. It was a fruitful year. Sometimes it is called Old Izborsk to emphasize its venerable age, as well as to distinguish it from New Izborsk.
Despite this status, today it does not even reach the city. Less than a thousand people live here and rely on tourists to survive. But they don’t leave Izborsk with their attention.
Most often this city is called Rostov the Great, firstly, to emphasize its unique historical value, and, secondly, to distinguish it from Rostov-on-Don - much larger, but also more young city.
It was founded in the same year 862, but, unlike many, it did not degenerate into a village-museum, but remains a living and active city, albeit with a small population - only 31 thousand people.
And another representative of the glorious year 862, Murom, is one of the ten oldest cities in Russia. Initially, representatives of the Finno-Ugric tribe Muroma lived here, who gave the name to the city. Or they began to be called that after the settlement. There are other versions of the origin of the name, but one thing is certain: Murom is an important city for the history of Russia.
Now more than 100 thousand satisfied Russians live in it. Not surprising, because Murom is considered one of the most comfortable and comfortable cities to live in.
When Belozersk appeared, there is still debate, but official sources place it in the already familiar year 862. Questions may arise as to why so many ancient cities date from the same year. The reason is in the “Tale of Bygone Years” - it was in this chronicle that these settlements were first mentioned. Accordingly, the date to which this work refers is considered the official date of their foundation.
Not all old cities in Russia date back to 862, and Smolensk is the best confirmation. This is not just a hero city and the center of the Smolensk region, it is also one of the oldest in Russia. The official date of its foundation is 863. Thus, it is only slightly behind Izborsk, Ladoga and company.
The city stood on the famous route “from the Varangians to the Greeks.” It is believed that shipbuilders pitched their boats here, which was the reason for its name.
Pskov was quite large when it was founded, and it remains a large (relatively) city today. This is the administrative center of the Pskov region, and by local standards, quite a lot of people live here - 200 thousand. They are lucky: they already live in a place where thousands of tourists come every year to admire its sights and historical monuments.
The founding of Uglich dates back to 937, which allowed it to be among the ten oldest cities in the country, although last number. Like many ancient settlements, it is based on the Volga, at the place where it turns. Apparently, this was the reason for the appearance of this name - the corner - Uglich. There is another version: many believe that coals were burned here. There is a third version that many representatives of the Uglichi people lived here. It’s hard to say which one is correct, but it doesn’t matter.
Now you know what the oldest city in Russia is and how long ago it was founded. Perhaps our rating will tell you where to go on vacation next time instead of banal Egypt or Turkey. In Russia there is also something to see.
Video about Derbent:
Not all cities are lucky enough to preserve their original appearance. During difficult times of wars and conquests, many cities were destroyed and then rebuilt, so only a few buildings managed to “survive” to our times. Still, there are majestic cities that can rightfully bear the proud title of “the most Old city peace."
Jericho (Palestine)
Mention of the first settlements on the site of modern Jericho dates back to 9000 BC. Three millennia later, the city began to actively rebuild and already reached the peak of its development at the turn of the 3rd and 2nd millennia. It was destroyed several times, one of which was mentioned in the Bible.
It was a majestic city, where houses were built of brick and stone. Archaeologists have discovered here the ruins of an ancient synagogue dating back to the 1st century BC, magnificent winter palaces with baths, swimming pools and richly decorated halls. Not far from Jericho rises Mount Carantal, on which, according to legend, Jesus was tempted by the devil for forty days. Now in that place there is a majestic Monastery of Temptation carved into the rocks.
Damascus (Syria)
Another very ancient city is Damascus, the first mention of which appeared in the middle of the 2nd millennium BC. Due to the fact that in ancient times Damascus was under the rule of the Egyptians, Israelis, Assyrians, Persians and even, this ancient city absorbed the culture of these peoples.
He became famous for his Damascus steel, which was popular in medieval Europe. Today here you can see the ruins of the ancient gates of the fortress, protecting the city from raids, Catholic churches, temples, mosques, old houses, which represent the most important monuments of Damascus culture and history.
Susa (Iran)
The first mention of the ancient city of Susa (modern Shush) dates back to the 7-4 millennium BC. It was the ancient Sumerian capital of the state of Elam. In 668 BC. The Babylonians burned Susa, and after 10 years the state of Elam ceased to exist. The Persians rebuilt the city, restoring and expanding the magnificent palaces and making Susa their capital.
In our era, the city was sacked and destroyed by Muslims and Mongols, so few monuments from that period have reached us. Only the French archaeological expedition, which carried out excavations of the ancient city, left the most significant attraction - the French fortress, built in the 19th century to protect the members of the expedition and guard the finds.
Derbent (Dagestan)
Russia also has the most ancient city, and it was founded in 438 AD, although the first mentions of settlements date back to the end of the 4th millennium BC. WITH different languages its name translates as “closed gate”, “stone”, “wall”. And this is no coincidence - due to frequent raids by nomads, Derbent turned into a reliable fortress. Since the Great Silk Road passed through the city, it was of great commercial importance, and at one time many nations wanted to conquer it. It was under the control of the Persians, Arabs, Iranians, and only in 1813 it began to belong to Russia.
The main attractions of Derbent are its fortress with many gates, the Juma Mosque, the oldest in Russia, the Naryn-Kala fortress and the Derbent tunnel, whose length is 318 m.
Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
The oldest city in Bulgaria was known back in the 6th millennium BC. In 72 BC. came under Roman rule and quickly developed. The influence of Rome has brought to our times the Roman buildings of that time - the amphitheater, baths and hippodrome. In the 6th century they began to belong to the Bulgarians ( Slavic tribe), then Byzantium, and in 1364 was captured Ottoman Empire.
Plovdiv is now the second largest city in Bulgaria. The rich history of the city has left many wonderful sights that characterize a particular culture. Here you can see ancient Roman buildings, mosques, and a Thracian fortress.
Jerusalem (Israel)
This city has rich history associated with conquests and biblical legends. Founded in the 4th millennium BC. Jerusalem has sacred significance for millions of people. Many biblical events are associated with it, including the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Its history is truly amazing and extensive. Here are the shrines of Christianity, Judaism and Islam, and thousands of pilgrims come to Jerusalem every year to remember their saints and pray.
The most famous sights of Jerusalem are the Western Wall, the mosque on the Temple Mount and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Athens, Greece)
The first mention of the ancient capital of Greece dates back to the 15th century BC. It reached its peak in 500-300 BC. and rightfully bears the name of the cradle Greek culture. It became the birthplace of many famous ancient Greek historians, geographers, poets and philosophers. Monuments are still preserved here ancient history, such as the Acropolis, Athens Agora, Temple of Hephaestus and Temple of Olympian Zeus, etc.
It's just incomplete list most ancient cities. There are still cities in the world that have such old story, that one can only guess about their origin and foundation from the few documents that have come down to us. They are priceless because they have seen the change of eras and civilizations, and even despite the ruins, their greatness will never fade into oblivion.
Memphis, Babylon, Thebes - all of them were once the largest centers, but only the name remains of them. However, there are cities that have existed throughout human history, from the Stone Age to the present day.
Jericho (West Bank)
At the very foot of the Judean Mountains, opposite the confluence of the Jordan into the Dead Sea, is located the most ancient city on earth - Jericho. Traces of settlements dating back to the 10th-9th millennium BC were found here. e. It was a permanent site of the Pre-Pottery Neolithic A culture, whose representatives built the first Wall of Jericho. The Stone Age defensive structure was four meters high and two meters wide. Inside it was a powerful eight-meter tower, which was obviously used for ritual purposes. Its ruins have survived to this day.
The name Jericho (in Hebrew Yericho), according to one version, comes from the word meaning “smell” and “fragrance” - “reach”. According to another, from the word moon - “yareah”, which could have been revered by the founders of the city. We find the first written mention of it in the book of Joshua, which describes the fall of the walls of Jericho and the capture of the city by the Jews in 1550 BC. e. By that time, the city was already a powerful fortified fortress, whose system of seven walls was a real labyrinth. Not without reason - Jericho had something to protect. It was located at the crossroads of three important trade routes of the Middle East, right in the middle of a flourishing oasis with a lot of fresh water and fertile soil. For the inhabitants of the desert, this is a real promised land.
Jericho was the first city to be captured by the Israelites. It was completely destroyed, and all the inhabitants were killed, with the exception of the harlot Rahab, who had previously sheltered the Jewish scouts, for which she was spared.
Today, Jericho, located in the West Bank of Jordan, is a disputed territory between Palestine and Israel that remains in an area of constant military conflict. Therefore, visiting the most ancient and rich in historical sights of the city is not recommended.
Damascus: “Eye of the Desert” (Syria)
Damascus, the current capital of Syria, is fighting for first place with Jericho. The earliest mention of it was found in the list of conquered cities of Pharaoh Thutmose III, who lived in 1479-1425 BC. e. In the first book of the Old Testament, Damascus is mentioned as a large and well-known center of trade.
In the 13th century, the historian Yaqut al-Humawi argued that the city was founded by Adam and Eve themselves, who, after being expelled from Eden, found refuge in the cave of blood (Magarat ad-Damm) on Mount Qasyoun on the outskirts of Damascus. The first murder in history described in the Old Testament also took place there - Cain killed his brother. According to legend, the self-name Damascus comes from the ancient Aramaic word “demshak”, which means “brother’s blood”. Another, more plausible version says that the name of the city goes back to the Aramaic word Darmeśeq, translated as “well-watered place.”
It is not known for certain who first founded the settlement near Mount Kasyun. But recent excavations in Tel Ramada, a suburb of Damascus, have shown that people settled the area around 6300 BC. e.
Byblos (Lebanon)
Rounding out the top three ancient cities is Byblos, known today as Jebeil. It is located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, 32 km from Beirut, the current capital of Lebanon. It was once a large Phoenician city, founded in the 4th millennium BC, although the first settlements in this area date back to the later stone age– VII millennium.
The ancient name of the city is associated with the legend of a certain Byblis, who was madly in love with her brother, Kavnos. She died of grief when her lover fled to escape sin, and her shed tears formed an inexhaustible source of water that watered the city. According to another version, byblos in Greece was the name for papyrus that was exported from the city.
Byblos was one of the largest ports of the ancient era. It was also known for the spread of the cult of Baal there, the formidable Sun god, who “demanded” self-torture and bloody sacrifices from his followers. The written language of ancient Byblos still remains one of the main mysteries of the Ancient World. Proto-Byblos writing, widespread in the second millennium BC, is still indecipherable; it is not similar to any of the known writing systems of the Ancient World.
Plovdiv (Bulgaria)
The oldest city in Europe today is considered to be not Rome or even Athens, but the Bulgarian city of Plovdiv, located in the southern part of the country between the Rhodope and Balkan mountains (the home of the legendary Orpheus) and the Upper Thracian Lowland. The first settlements on its territory date back to the 6th-4th millennia BC. e., although Plovdiv, or rather, then still Eumolpiada, reached its heyday under the peoples of the sea - the Thracians. In 342 BC. it was captured by Philip II of Macedon - father famous Alexander, who named it Philippopolis in his honor. Subsequently, the city managed to be under Roman, Byzantine and Ottoman rule, which made it the second cultural center in Bulgaria after Sofia. In world history, Derbent became an unspoken “blockpost” between Europe and Asia. One of the most important sections of the Great Silk Road lay here. It is not surprising that it has always been a favorite object of conquest for its neighbors. The Roman Empire showed great interest in him - main goal campaigns to the Caucasus by Lucullus and Pompey in 66-65 BC. it was Derbent. In the 5th century AD e. When the city belonged to the Sassanids, powerful fortifications were erected here to protect against nomads, including the Naryn-Kala fortress. From it, located at the foot mountain range, two walls descended to the sea, designed to protect the city and the trade route. It is from this time that the history of Derbent as a large city dates back.
