the city of Damascus, Syria
A rooftop view of domes, minarets, and two story caravansaries. Damascus, Syria. 1911.
Photograph by Archibald Forder, Nat Geo Image Collection

These are some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on each continent

From the Americas to Antarctica, these places have been well lived in for quite a long time.

ByKristin Romey
May 30, 2019

Today, Eridu resembles a handful of bare mounds rising above the desert of southern Iraq, but some 7,000 years ago it was what many scholars consider the world’s first city—a Mesopotamian political and religious center for hundreds of generations of urban dwellers until its final abandonment around 600 B.C.

The world’s first city may no longer be a bustling place, but there are many other early urban centers that still thrive in modern times, whether due to geographical location, rich resources, or simply sheer historical luck. Take a look at some of our oldest cities on each continent.

the Great Mosque in Damascas, Syria
The exterior of the Great Mosque built 709-715 AD. Damascus, Syria. 2007
Photograph by Martin Gray, Nat Geo Image Collection
women and girls bathing in a female-only ghat in India
Women and girls bath at a female only ghat, a woman worships in front. Benares, Uttar Pradesh, India. ELIZA R. SCIDMORE. 1907.
Photograph by Eliza R. Scidmore, Nat Geo Image Collection
a boy jumping into the Ganghes River
People jumping into the sacred Ganges River in Varanasi. Varanasi, India. JOHN STANMEYER. 2009.
Photograph by John Stanmeyer, Nat Geo Image Collection
the Colossi of Ramses III
Colossi of Ramses III stand in the mortuary temple at Medinat Habu. Medinet Habu, Thebes, Egypt. 1913.
Photograph courtesy Nat Geo Image Collection
the Ramesseum at Luxor in Egypt
The Ramesseum at Luxor was built as a memorial temple for Ramses. Luxor, Egypt.
Photograph by O. Louis Mazzatenta, Nat Geo Image Collection
the acropolis in Athens, Greece
A view of the distant Acropolis seen from the northwest of Athens. Acropolis, Athens, Attica Region, Greece. FRED BOISSONNAS. 1922.
Photograph by Fred Boissonnas, Nat Geo Image Collection
the acropolis in Athens, Greece
A view of the Acropolis at dawn in Athens, Greece. Athens, Greece. LOLA AKINMADE AKERSTROM. 2013.
Photograph by Lola Akinmade Åkerström, Nat Geo Image Collection
the Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico
Pyramid of Cholula, Image taken circa 1900-1907, Mexico, 1900. (Photo by A.P. Maudslay/Royal Geographical Society/Getty Images)
Photograph by A.P. Maudslay, Royal Geographical Society/Getty
the Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico
Scenic view of the Great Pyramid of Cholula in Mexico.
Photograph by doleesi, Alamy
the Castillo de San Marcos
Aerial view of Castillo De San Marcos - 02. St. Augustine, Florida (not sure of date).
Photograph by Balfore Archive Images, Alamy
the Castillo de San Marcos in St. Augustine, Florida
Aerial view of Castillo de San Marcos National Monument in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Photograph by Rod Clement, Alamy
people walking down the street in Quito, Ecuador
People walk on a steep street in Quito; a mountain is in the distance. Quito, Ecuador. RICHARD B. HOIT. 1921.
Photograph by Richard B. Hoit, Nat Geo Image Collection
people walking down the street in Quito, Ecuador
A red carpet event brings out the those dressed for the event. Quito, Ecuador. RANDY OLSON. 2015.
Photograph by Randy Olson, Nat Geo Image Collection
Sydney Harbor
View of Sydney Harbour from North Shore, No. 2, circa 1900. Sydney, Australia.
Photograph by The Print Collector, Getty
Sydney Harbor
View of Sydney Harbor with Opera House, and ship. Sydney Harbor, New South Wales, Australia. ANNIE GRIFFITHS. 2007.
Photograph by Annie Griffiths, Nat Geo Image Collection
Base Orcadas in Antarctica
Argentinian field station Base Orcadas, Orkney Islands, Antarctica South Georgia Island. Frans Lanting. 2006.
Photograph by Frans Lanting, Nat Geo Image Collection

Limited-Edition Classic Collection

Inspired by Earth’s highest peak and deepest point, get limited-edition holiday gifts and a National Geographic subscription.
BUY FOR ME