Which Ancient City Is Considered the Oldest in the World?

Archaeologists still debate which city came first — let alone how to define one in the first place. But a few settlements offer illuminating views of early urban life.

By Bridget Alex
Aug 28, 2020 8:51 PMSep 2, 2020 8:26 PM
Ancient City Jerusalem, Israel at the Tower of David - Shutterstock
(Credit: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock)

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Urban life began some 6,000 years ago. In certain places, thousands of people crammed together to form Earth's first cities, while the rest of humanity continued living in dispersed villages, homesteads or nomadic camps. Today, about 4 billion people — more than half the world’s population — reside in urban settings. In just six millennia, city living has swept the globe.

But which ancient city rose first?

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