10. Athens
It is believed that this is the wealthiest and largest state in the history of Greece in the classical history of the establishment of the ancient city. It is known to be the capital city with 3.7 million people that shows that it has grown a lot. There are various important places that can be seen in this city which are prominent in Greece such as Temple of Olympian Zeus, Acropolis, and Parthenon.
9. Jerusalem
This is the holy city, which has been mentioned many times in the canonical collection of sacred records compiled in the New Testament of the Bible. This is the center of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism that has been known since the 10th century. This is the largest city of Israel. It can be found between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea. It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and it has been called the old city.
8. Beirut
Compared to other cities that can be found in other countries, this is the biggest city found in Lebanon, which is acclaimed to be the cosmopolitan city, the center of financial and commercial transactions and trade. Technically, it is known as Berut, which is the favorite place of the wealthiest people from Europe and Saudi Arabia. It is even called as Paris of the Middle East.
7. Jericho
Along with Jerusalem, Jericho is one of the cities mentioned in the Old Testament that was conquered by Joshua as noted in the book of Judges. It is known as the city of Palms that is near the Dead Sea and Jerusalem by approximately 55 kilometers.
6. Aleppo
This is a Muslim place where you could see various mosques intended for prayerful worship of the people. This is found in Syria, which is also the second largest city in the country. It is one of the most conservative cities not just in age but also in culture. The way of living and behavior of the people are well preserved, which makes it the friendliest place in the world.
5. Sidon
This is near the city of Beirut by about 25 miles or equivalent to 43 kilometers. It serves as habitation of people since 4000 B.C. You could visit the Castle of the Sea and temple of Eshmoun in Sidon city. It is one of the strongest phonetician cities, which is still in its original and historical form in its very essence.
4. Plovdiv
Despite of contemporary influences found in Europe, they were able to preserve Plovdiv, which is included in the oldest cities found in Bulgaria. It has been in existence for about 5000 years where you could find the tallest hills in the world. You could also see the oldest and one of the largest mosques in the world. It is located in between Balkan Range or Old Mountains and the plains of Rhodope Mountains.
3.Varanasi
This is the sacred place of Hindus in India, which is one of the oldest cities in the world. According to history, it was also known previously as Kashi and Benares or Banaras in the northern part of India. It is advised that you visit the place sometime October and March because other than this said period, you would feel the hottest season of all, which is not an ideal time to visit the place.
2. Byblos
Byblos is another historical place and city, which is located in Lebanon. It is also known as Jbell in its Arabic name and was included or recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some of the oldest places that you can visit in Byblos are the Northeastern Gate, The Crusader Castle, Tower Temple, and Kings Tomb.
1. Damascus
This is the capital city of Syria that has accommodated 4.5 million people, which happens to be the largest city in Syria too. It was established around 10,000 to 8,000 B.C., which is also the oldest city in the world. It has maintained and retained the important architectural designs such as its walls, doors, and alleys. Tourists and visitors from other countries have well applauded the well-preserved place in Syria that continuously attracts people to learn their old life and past.
http://www.tiptoptens.com/2011/11/08/top-10-oldest-historical-places-in-the-world/