10 oldest cities in the world

The world’s history is rich with the rise of ancient civilizations, many of which have shaped modern culture, governance, and society. From the ancient city of Susa in Iran to the unification of Upper and Lower Egypt, these countries hold some of the most fascinating and enduring legacies.
Tracing back to early human settlements and the establishment of legendary empires, these nations have preserved their histories over millennia. According to the World Population Review, the origins of these civilizations go back thousands of years. Let’s take a closer look at the 10 oldest countries in the world, where history still resonates through their traditions, landscapes, and contributions to human progress.


Iran's history spans tens of thousands of years, with its first city, Susa, being built around 3200 BCE. The Iranian Empire began during the Iron Age, and the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, was the largest empire of its time, stretching from the Balkans to Central Asia and North Africa.

Egyptian civilization dates back to around 3150 BCE, when King Narmer united Upper and Lower Egypt. This civilization dominated the Mediterranean for nearly 3,000 years before being conquered by Alexander the Great in 332 BCE.

The history of Vietnam stretches back 20,000 years, with the first legendary states forming around 2879 BCE. Early settlers established governance to manage flooding along the Red River, facilitate trade, and defend against invaders.

Armenia’s history includes evidence of early human presence in the Armenian Highlands from the Lower Paleolithic period. The first documented reference to Armenia dates back to the 6th century BCE in the Behistun Inscription.

According to Korean legend, the first kingdom of Korea was established in 2333 BCE by the semi-divine figure Tangun. This date is now celebrated as National Foundation Day, or Gaecheonjeol, in South Korea.

China, with one of the world's longest continuous civilizations, traces its roots to around 2070 BCE. Key periods include the Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties of pre-imperial China, followed by Imperial and modern China.

India’s history spans over 5,000 years, beginning with the Indus Valley Civilization around 3000 BCE. Early human migration to India dates back as far as 70,000 BCE, followed by the rise of Harappa and South India’s Iron Age culture.

Georgia’s history includes the formation of its first government around 1300 BCE, but evidence of human occupation in the region goes back to 1.8 million years ago, with the discovery of the Dmanisi hominins.

The earliest recorded mention of the Israelites dates to 1200 BCE in the Merneptah Stele of ancient Egypt. Around this time, they were nomadic tribes who began settling in Canaan.

Sudan’s history dates back to the Mesolithic era, with inhabitants living near Khartoum as early as 30,000 to 20,000 BCE.
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