They stand through the centuries and watch people progress and evolve. Their citizens are now and then, others. And yet they are all equally important to them. The oldest cities in Europe, despite the changes, have been inhabited continuously for thousands of years now and combine history with today. What is impressive is that many of them are located in Greece. Specifically, seven out of ten are in our country.
See what they are and the next time you are there, discover their ancient corners…
Chania
This city of Crete is considered to be the location where the Minoans built Kydonia. Excavations have shown that it has been inhabited since the Neolithic era (3,000-2,000 BC). Apart from being one of the oldest cities in Europe, it is undoubtedly one of the most attractive in Greece. You will find blue beaches, museums, picturesque alleys, and hospitable inhabitants.
Trikala
The reason for the ancient city of Trikka, which was founded about 5,000 years ago, around 3,000 BC. The city took its name from the nymph Trikki, daughter of Pinios. Its location by the river played a very important role in its development. It was a very important center of antiquity. Asclepius also lived and acted there, which today is an emblem of the city, as he was also the king of the city.
Argos, the oldest in Greece and Europe
And we came
not just to one of the oldest cities in Greece and Europe but to the oldest. And it’s Argos. Counting seven years of life, it boasts that it is a city open museum. Taking a walk in the area, you will observe the archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age and elements of the Mycenaean Civilization. Among the remains of the ancient agora, you can distinguish parts of the wonderful carved theater with 20,000 seats.
Thebes
Thebes was inhabited about 5,000 years ago. Greek mythology notes that it was the birthplace of Hercules and the Sphinx before its riddle was solved. It may not be a well-known tourist place, but it certainly has a lot to show you about its history. The fact that the modern city is built on the site of the ancient one gives you a unique opportunity. This means that you will see the marks of this 5,000-year-old history scattered everywhere. It is also the city that inspired great tragedians such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides.
Chalkida
This city is at least 2,800 years old. Proof that Homer is mentioned in the Iliad in Chalcis, around 762 B.C. According to scriptures, the city was founded before the Trojan War, between the 12th and 13th centuries B.C., by the Ionians. The main settlement is located in a narrow water channel, separating Evia from mainland Greece. It is probably one of the cities where you will not see so strongly the elements of civilizations that passed through the centuries from there.
Patras
It may seem strange to you, but indeed, excavations show that the area has been inhabited since the Early Helladic period in the middle of the 3rd millennium BC. After an earthquake in the 6th century, a castle was built on one side of Mount Panachaikos, with the city divided into upper and lower districts. If you search, you will see that it has many archaeological sites and museums. Today, Patras is a modern city. Its port is one of the most important in Greece and is the main gateway to the West.
Athens
Featured image source: chania.gr
Frequently Asked Questions
According to historical records, seven of the ten oldest cities in Europe are located in Greece. These are: Argos (the oldest), Athens, Thebes, Trikala, Chania, Chalkida, and Patras. Each of these cities has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years and combines ancient history with modern life.
Argos is considered the oldest city in Europe and Greece. It has been continuously inhabited for thousands of years and boasts a unique open-air museum experience with archaeological monuments from the Bronze Age and the Mycenaean Civilization, including remains of an ancient theater with 20,000 seats.
Chania, located in Crete, has been inhabited since the Neolithic era (3,000-2,000 BC). It is believed to be built on the location of the ancient Minoan city of Kydonia. Visitors can explore blue beaches, museums, picturesque alleys, and experience the hospitality of its inhabitants while discovering its ancient corners.
Athens has been inhabited since at least 5,000 B.C. According to Greek mythology, the city was named after the goddess Athena, who won a symbolic contest with Poseidon. Athena planted an olive seed which was considered more sacred than the water Poseidon created, making her the patron saint of the city. Today, visitors can admire iconic sites like the Acropolis, Plaka, and Lycabettus Hill.
Thebes was inhabited about 5,000 years ago and holds significance in Greek mythology as the birthplace of Hercules. What makes it unique is that the modern city is built directly on the ancient site, allowing visitors to see 5,000 years of history scattered throughout the city. It also inspired great ancient tragedians such as Sophocles, Aeschylus, and Euripides.
