When you think of ancient cities, maybe your mind drifts to the bustling markets of Rome, the towering pyramids of Egypt, or the carved stone faces of Petra. But there’s something special about actually walking through these places, standing where ancient people once stood, and taking in the remnants of civilizations that shaped our world. These ancient cities give us a glimpse into the past, and some even remain thriving centers of life today. Others lie in ruins, frozen in time, and serve as open-air museums that are just waiting to share their secrets.
Ancient cities were hubs of art, innovation, and culture. Think of Machu Picchu’s terraces, Angkor’s intricate carvings, and the engineering marvels of Rome’s aqueducts. Each one tells a unique story of human ambition, resilience, and creativity. They show us not only what people were capable of but also the legacy they left behind.
We’ve rounded up 14 of the world’s greatest ancient cities for you to explore. Let’s travel back in time to the places that helped shape history as we know it.
1. Athens, Greece
Athens is where democracy was born, and it was once the beating heart of Ancient Greece. This city was a powerhouse of art, philosophy, and politics, attracting big names like Socrates and Plato. With the Parthenon proudly perched atop the Acropolis, Athens offers visitors a chance to connect with the cradle of Western civilization.
Fast-forward to today, and Athens is a vibrant city where the old and new coexist. Wander around the ancient ruins, catch a sunset view from Mount Lycabettus, or dive into the lively Plaka district. It’s a place where history feels alive, giving you a taste of Greece’s legendary past right in the middle of a bustling metropolis.
2. Rome, Italy
Rome isn’t called the “Eternal City” for nothing. At its peak, the Roman Empire spanned continents, and Rome was the center of it all. It’s here that you’ll find the Colosseum, where gladiators once fought for glory, and the Pantheon, with its mind-bending architecture. Each ruin tells a story of an empire that shaped much of the Western world.
But Rome is more than its ancient ruins, it’s a living city with soul. Stroll through charming piazzas, toss a coin into the Trevi Fountain, or indulge in authentic gelato. Rome’s ability to blend ancient history with modern life makes it a must-visit destination, especially for anyone with a love for history and culture.
3. Jericho, West Bank
Jericho has the distinction of being one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history that stretches back over 10,000 years. Situated near the Jordan River, this city has been a crossroads of cultures and empires, from the Canaanites and Israelites to the Romans and Byzantines.
Its ancient walls, some dating back to the Neolithic period, offer a rare glimpse into early urban fortifications. Walking through Jericho today, you can visit the ruins of ancient fortresses and palaces, as well as Hisham’s Palace with its intricate mosaic floors (just pay attention to current travel bans before planning a trip).
4. Jerusalem, Israel
Jerusalem isn’t just a city, it’s a place of deep spiritual significance for millions around the world. Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, Jerusalem has been at the center of countless historical events. The Old City’s winding streets lead you to sacred sites like the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Dome of the Rock.
It’s a city that has seen centuries of change and yet remains timeless. Despite its turbulent history (and current events), Jerusalem continues to draw pilgrims, scholars, and travelers. If you’re there for spiritual reasons or to soak in the history, Jerusalem offers an experience unlike any other (just watch for travel bans).
5. Petra, Jordan
Hidden within the cliffs of southern Jordan, Petra is known as the “Rose City” thanks to the pink hue of its rock-carved architecture. Once the bustling capital of the Nabataean Kingdom, Petra is most famous for the Treasury, which greets visitors at the end of a dramatic sandstone gorge called the Siq. It’s a place that feels plucked straight from an adventure film.
Walking through Petra, you’ll find tombs, temples, and ancient structures that reflect the skill of its builders. While the city’s heyday may be long gone, its beauty and mystery endure. Petra is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of nature, all rolled into one awe-inspiring destination.
6. Machu Picchu, Peru
Perched high in the Andes, Machu Picchu is one of the most breathtaking places on Earth. Built by the Incas in the 15th century, this ancient city remained hidden from the outside world until 1911. Its impressive stone terraces and temples are marvels of engineering, blending seamlessly with the mountain landscape.
Today, Machu Picchu attracts travelers from around the globe, many of whom brave the Inca Trail for a chance to stand among the clouds and take in the view. This site’s mystical atmosphere and stunning vistas make it an unforgettable experience.
7. Babylon, Iraq
Babylon is legendary, once a capital of the Babylonian Empire and known for the elusive Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Though the gardens are long gone, the city itself holds remnants of ancient power, with towering walls and impressive gates like the famous Ishtar Gate.
Babylon might not be what it once was, but its ruins still whisper of a time when it was the center of the ancient world. Wandering through the city’s remains, you’ll sense the grandeur of a place that was a symbol of wealth, culture, and influence for centuries.
8. Angkor, Cambodia
Angkor is home to the iconic Angkor Wat, a massive temple complex that’s one of the largest religious monuments in the world. Built in the 12th century by the Khmer Empire, this city was a powerhouse of art and culture. The temples, adorned with intricate carvings and towering spires, reflect the religious devotion and artistic brilliance of the Khmer people.
Today, Angkor is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing millions of visitors each year. Exploring its temples, like Ta Prohm with its giant tree roots, feels like entering a lost world. It’s a place where nature and history intertwine, offering a unique journey into Cambodia’s past.
9. Teotihuacan, Mexico
Just a short drive from bustling Mexico City, Teotihuacan stands as one of the most impressive ancient cities in the Americas. Founded around 200 BCE, it quickly grew into one of the largest cities in the ancient world. The Aztecs, who discovered it centuries later, called it the “place where the gods were created,” and walking among its monumental pyramids, you can see why.
The massive Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon dominate the skyline, evoking the grandeur of a bygone civilization. As you wander down the Avenue of the Dead, lined with temples and plazas, you’re surrounded by remnants of an ancient society that still holds many mysteries.
10. Troy, Turkey
For years, Troy was thought to be nothing more than a myth, a fictional city brought to life in Homer’s Iliad. But in the 1870s, archaeologist Heinrich Schliemann found a site in modern-day Turkey that matched the descriptions from the epic. Today, Troy, known locally as Hisarlik, is a fascinating intersection of myth and history.
Excavations have revealed layers upon layers of cities built atop one another, indicating a long, complex history. Wander through the ancient walls and gates, and you’ll feel the echoes of warriors who fought and died in epic battles.
11. Xi’an, China
Xi’an, once known as Chang’an, was a capital city for numerous ancient Chinese dynasties and the starting point of the Silk Road. It’s here that you’ll find the world-famous Terracotta Army, a stunning collection of life-sized clay soldiers buried with the first Emperor of China, Qin Shi Huang, to protect him in the afterlife.
Discovered in 1974, this remarkable find has drawn millions of visitors from around the world, and with good reason, each warrior is unique, with individualized faces and attire. But you’ll quickly see that Xi’an is more than just the Terracotta Army.
12. Carthage, Tunisia
Carthage was once a powerful Phoenician city-state that gave Rome a serious run for its money. Founded in the 9th century BCE, Carthage became a major center of trade and military might. It was here that the legendary general Hannibal launched his campaign against Rome, famously crossing the Alps with elephants.
Although the city was ultimately destroyed by the Romans in the Punic Wars, its ruins still echo with tales of power and ambition. Today, you can explore the remains of Carthage, including the ancient harbor, the Roman baths, and various temples.
13. Tikal, Guatemala
Tikal is a hidden gem deep in the lush jungles of Guatemala. As one of the most important cities of the ancient Maya civilization, Tikal’s towering pyramids, expansive plazas, and intricate carvings tell the story of a powerful city-state that thrived from around 400 BCE to the 10th century CE.
The tallest pyramid, Temple IV, rises above the jungle canopy, offering breathtaking views and a true sense of the city’s grandeur. Visitors to Tikal can wander through a world that feels untouched by time, with the sounds of tropical birds and howler monkeys filling the air.
14. Pompeii, Italy
Pompeii is like a time capsule, offering an unparalleled glimpse into life in ancient Rome. In 79 CE, the city was buried under a thick layer of volcanic ash when Mount Vesuvius erupted. For nearly 1,700 years, it remained hidden, perfectly preserved beneath the ash.
Rediscovered in the 18th century, Pompeii gives us a window into Roman daily life, from grand villas and bustling marketplaces to humble bakeries and even brothels. Today, visitors can walk the same streets that Roman citizens once did, exploring homes with frescoes still intact and visiting public spaces like the Forum and the amphitheater.
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With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
With an honors degree in financial engineering, Omega Ukama deeply understands finance. Before pursuing journalism, he honed his skills at a private equity firm, giving him invaluable real-world experience. This combination of financial literacy and journalistic flair allows him to translate complex financial matters into clear and concise insights for his readers.
