Old City. What is the oldest city in Russia? History is silent

Absolutely every city has its own history, some of them are quite young, others have a history of several centuries, but there are also very ancient ones among them. Settlements that still exist today sometimes turn out to be terribly old. The age of the oldest cities is helped to clarify historical research and archaeological excavations, on the basis of which the estimated dates of their formation are established. Perhaps the ranking presented contains the oldest city in the world, or maybe we don’t know anything about it yet.

1. Jericho, Palestine (ca. 10,000-9,000 BC)

The ancient city of Jericho is mentioned many times in biblical texts, however, there it is called the “city of palm trees”, although its name is translated from Hebrew differently - “moon city”. Historians believe that it arose as a settlement around 7,000 BC, but there are finds that indicate an older age - 9,000 BC. e. To put it another way, people settled here before the Ceramic Neolithic, during the Chalcolithic period.
Since ancient times, the city was at the intersection of military paths, which is why the Bible contains a description of its siege and miraculous capture. Jericho has changed hands many times, with its most recent transfer to modern-day Palestine occurring in 1993. Over the course of thousands of years, residents left the city more than once, however, then they certainly returned and reanimated its life. This “eternal city” is located 10 kilometers from the Dead Sea, and tourists constantly flock to its attractions. Here, for example, was the courtyard of King Herod the Great.

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2. Damascus, Syria (10,000-8,000 BC)

Not far from Jericho there is another patriarch among the cities, not much, if not not, inferior to him in age - Damascus. The Arab medieval historian Ibn Asakir wrote that after the Flood, the Damascus wall was the first to appear. He believed that this city arose 4,000 BC. The first real historical data about Damascus dates back to the 15th century BC. e., at that time Egyptian pharaohs ruled here. From the 10th to the 8th centuries BC. e. it was the capital of the Damascus kingdom, after which it passed from one kingdom to another until in 395 it became part of the Byzantine Empire. After the Apostle Paul visited Damascus in the first century, the first followers of Christ appeared here. Damascus is now the capital of Syria and the second largest city in the country after Aleppo.

3. Byblos, Lebanon (7,000-5,000 BC)

The ancient city of the Phoenicians, Byblos (Gebal, Gubl) is located 32 km from Beirut on the Mediterranean coast. There is still a city in this place, but it is called Jabel. In ancient times, Byblos was a major seaport, through which, in particular, papyrus was transported to Greece from Egypt, which the Hellenes called “byblos” because of this, which is why they called Gebal that way. It is reliably known that Gebal existed already 4,000 BC. e. It stood near the sea on a well-protected hill, and below there were two bays with harbors for ships. A fertile valley stretched around the city, and a little further from the sea, mountains covered with dense forest began.
People noticed such an attractive place a long time ago and settled here during the early Neolithic. But when the Phoenicians arrived, the locals for some reason abandoned their inhabited places, so the newcomers did not even have to fight for them. As soon as they settled in a new place, the Phoenicians immediately surrounded the settlement with a wall. Later, in its center, near the source, they built two temples to the main deities: one to the mistress Baalat-Gebal, and the second to the god Reshef. Since then, the story of Gebal has become completely reliable.

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4. Susa, Iran (6,000-4,200 BC)

In modern Iran, in the province of Khuzestan, there is one of the oldest cities on the planet - Susa. There is a version that its name comes from the Elamite word “susan” (or “shushun”), meaning “lily”, since these places abounded in these flowers. The first signs of habitation here date back to the seventh millennium BC. e., and during excavations ceramics from the fifth millennium BC were discovered. e. A well-established settlement was formed here around the same time.
Susa is spoken of in ancient Sumerian cuneiform writings, as well as in later texts of the Old Testament and other sacred books. Susa was the capital of the Elamite kingdom until its capture by the Assyrians. In 668, after a fierce battle, the city was plundered and burned, and 10 years later the Elamite state disappeared. Ancient Susa had to endure destruction and bloody massacres many times, but it was certainly later restored. Now the city is called Shush, it is inhabited by about 65 thousand Jews and Muslims.

5. Sidon, Lebanon (5500 BC)

Now this city on the Mediterranean coast is called Saida and is the third largest in Lebanon. The Phoenicians founded it and made it their capital. Sidon was a significant Mediterranean trading port, which partially survives to this day, being perhaps the oldest such structure. During its history, Sidon was part of different states many times, but was always considered an impregnable city. Nowadays it is inhabited by 200 thousand inhabitants.

6. Faiyum, Egypt (4000 BC)

In the El Fayoum oasis in Middle Egypt, surrounded by the sands of the Libyan Desert, lies the ancient city of El Fayoum. The Yusuf Canal was dug from the Nile to it. In the entire Egyptian kingdom it was the most ancient city. This area became known mainly for the reason that the so-called “Fayum portraits” were once discovered here. The Fayum, then called Shedet, which means “sea,” was a frequent site for the pharaohs of the 12th Dynasty, as evidenced by the remains of temples and artifacts discovered here by Flinders Petrie.
Shedet was later called Crocodilopolis, “City of Reptiles,” because its inhabitants worshiped the crocodile-headed god Sebek. Modern Fayoum has several mosques, baths, large bazaars and a lively daily market. Residential buildings here line the Yusuf Canal.

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7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria (4000 BC)

Within the boundaries of modern Plovdiv, the first settlements appeared in the Neolithic era, approximately 6000 BC. e. it turns out that Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. 1200 BC e. there was a Phoenician settlement here - Eumolpia. In the 4th century BC. e. the city was called Odrys, as confirmed by bronze coins of that period. From the 6th century, Slavic tribes began to control it; later it entered the Bulgarian kingdom and changed its name to Pyldin. Over the following centuries, the city passed from the Bulgarians to the Byzantines and back more than once, until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1364. Now the city has many historical and architectural monuments and other cultural sites that attract many tourists to Plovdiv.

8. Antep, Türkiye (3650 BC)

Gaziantep is the oldest Turkish city, and there are not many peers in the world. It is located near the Syrian border. Until 1921, the city bore the more ancient name Antep, and the Turks decided to add the prefix “gazi” to it, meaning “brave”. In the early Middle Ages, participants of the Crusades passed through Antep. When the Ottomans took possession of the city, they began to build inns and mosques here, turning it into a shopping center. Now, in addition to Turks, Arabs and Kurds live in the city, and the total population is 850 thousand people. Many foreign tourists come to Gaziantep every year to see the ruins of the ancient city, bridges, museums and numerous attractions.

9. Beirut, Lebanon (3000 BC)

According to some sources, Beirut appeared 5,000 years ago, according to others - all 7,000. Over its centuries-old history, it could not avoid numerous destructions, but each time it found the strength to rise from the ashes. In the capital of modern Lebanon, archaeological excavations are constantly underway, thanks to which many artifacts of the Phoenicians, Hellenes, Romans, Ottomans and other temporary owners of the city were discovered. The first mention of Beirut dates back to the 15th century BC. e. in Phoenician records, where it is called Barut. But this settlement existed one and a half thousand years before that.
It appeared on a large rocky cape, approximately in the middle of the coastal strip belonging to modern Lebanon. Perhaps the name of the city comes from the ancient word “birot”, which means “well”. For many centuries it was inferior in importance to its more powerful neighbors - Sidon and Tire, but in the ancient period its influence increased. There was a famous school of law here, which even developed the main tenets of the Justinian Code, that is, Roman law, which became the basis of the European legal system. Now the Lebanese capital is a famous tourist destination.

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10. Jerusalem, Israel (2800 BC)

This city is perhaps the most famous in the world, since there are holy places of monotheism - Jews, Christians and Muslims. Therefore, it is called the “city of three religions” and the “city of peace” (less successfully). The very first settlement arose here in the period 4500-3500 BC. e. The earliest known written mention of him (ca. 2000 BC) is contained in the Egyptian “curse texts.” Canaanites 1,700 BC e. They built the first walls of the city on the eastern side. The role of Jerusalem in human history cannot be overestimated. It is literally overloaded with historical and religious buildings; the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are located here. Jerusalem was besieged 23 times, and attacked another 52 times, twice it was destroyed and rebuilt, but life in it is still in full swing.

Russia is an ancient country. And on its territory there are many cities whose age has exceeded a thousand years. The historical and cultural heritage that they have preserved is an invaluable gift from past generations to future generations.

We present to you the oldest cities in Russia.

The official date of foundation of one of the cities that now makes up the Golden Ring of Russia is considered to be 990. And the founder is Prince Vladimir Svyatoslavich.

Under the leadership of Vladimir Monomakh and Yuri Dolgoruky, the city became an important stronghold for the defense of the Rostov-Suzdal Principality. And under Prince Andrei Bogolyubsky, Vladimir became the capital of the principality.

During the Tatar raids (1238 and later), the city surprisingly did not suffer much. Even the Golden Gate has survived to this day, although in a slightly different form from its original form.

On the territory of Vladimir there is the Vladimir Central prison, glorified by Mikhail Krug, built under Catherine II. It contained such famous personalities as Vasily Stalin, the son of Joseph Stalin, Mikhail Frunze and dissident Julius Daniel.

9. Bryansk -1032 years

It is not known exactly when exactly the city of Bryansk arose. The approximate date of its foundation is considered to be 985.

In 1607, the city was burned so that it would not fall to False Dmitry II. It was rebuilt and for the second time survived the siege of the troops of the “Tushinsky Thief”.

In the 17th century, Bryansk was one of the most important trading centers in Russia. And currently it is an important industrial center of the country.

8. Pskov – 1114 years

The founding date of Pskov is considered to be 903, when the city was first mentioned in the Laurentian Chronicle. Olga, the first Christian princess in Rus' and the wife of the Kyiv prince Igor Rurikovich, originally from Pskov.

For a long time, Pskov was one of the largest cities in Europe and was an impregnable barrier on the western borders of the country.

And in March 1917, while at Pskov station, the last Russian Emperor Nicholas II abdicated the throne and simply became a citizen of Romanov.

7. Smolensk - 1154 years

In September, beautiful and ancient Smolensk will celebrate its anniversary - 1155 years since its founding. It is only one year behind its closest rival in terms of mention in the chronicles (863 versus 862 for Murom).

For many centuries, this “key city” protected Moscow from attacks by a number of European countries. During the Time of Troubles, the residents of Smolensk heroically held a siege for 20 months in the fortress, which was besieged by Polish troops. Although the Poles still managed to take the city, King Sigismund III, who spent all his money on the siege, had to abandon the idea of ​​going to Moscow. And the Moscow garrison of Poles, who did not receive military assistance, surrendered to the Russian militia under the leadership of Dmitry Pozharsky and Kuzma Minin.

6. Murom – 1155 years

This small city, located on the left bank of the Oka, is mentioned in the Tale of Bygone Years. Its name supposedly came from the Muroma tribe, although historians do not rule out an inverse relationship. One of the main characters of the Russian epic epic, the legendary hero Ilya Muromets, comes from the city of Murom. The townspeople are proud of this and even erected a monument to the hero in the city park.

5. Rostov the Great - 1156 years

Rostov, the current center of the Yaroslavl region, traces its official chronology back to 862. After its founding, the city became one of the most important settlements in the Rostov-Suzdal land. And he got the prefix “Great” thanks to the Ipatiev Chronicle. In it, when describing the events of 1151 (the victory of Prince Izyaslav Mstislavich over Yuri Dolgoruky), Rostov was called the Great.

4. Veliky Novgorod – 1158 years

At the beginning of June 2018, Veliky Novgorod will celebrate the 1159th anniversary of its founding. According to the official version, Rurik was called to reign here. And in 1136 Novgorod became the first free republic in the history of feudal Rus'. The city escaped the fate of many Russian cities and was not affected by the Mongol invasion. Precious architectural monuments of Rus' from the pre-Mongol period have been preserved in it to this day.

3. Old Ladoga - over 1250 years old

In 2003, the village of Staraya Ladoga celebrated its 1250th anniversary. Until 1703, the settlement was called “Ladoga” and had the status of a city. The first mention of Ladoga dates back to 862 AD (the time of the calling of the Varangian Rurik to reign). There is even a version that Ladoga is the first capital of Rus', because Rurik reigned there, and not in Novgorod.

2. Derbent - over 2000 years

If you conduct a survey about which is the oldest city in Russia, most educated people will name Derbent as such. This sun-drenched city, the southernmost in Russia, located in the Republic of Dagestan, officially celebrated its 2000th anniversary in September 2015. However, many Derbent residents, as well as some scientists conducting excavations on the territory of Derbent, are confident that the city is 3000 years older.

The Caspian Gate - and this is precisely the ancient name of Derbent - was mentioned as a geographical object back in the 6th century. Don 

e. in the works of the ancient Greek geographer Hecataeus of Miletus. And the beginning of the modern city was laid in 438 AD. 

e. Then Derbent was the Persian fortress of Naryn-Kala, with two fortress walls blocking the path along the shore of the Caspian Sea. And the earliest mention of Derbent as a stone city was in 568 AD or the 37th year of the reign of Shah Khosrow I Anushirvan. The date of 2000 years is not exact, but more of an anniversary date, and refers to the time of the appearance of the first fortifications in Caucasian Albania.. The ruins of the ancient Greek colony of Panticapaeum have been preserved on the territory of the city. Historically, Kerch is the heir of Panticapaeum and its age has exceeded 2600 years.

According to archaeological research, the foundation of Kerch dates back to the time range from 610 to 590 BC. e. Historical and architectural monuments belonging to different eras have been preserved on its territory. These include: burial mounds from the Bronze Age, the ruins of the city of Nymphaeum, the ancient settlement of Myrmekiy, etc.

Kerch did not immediately receive its current name, after Panticapaeum ceased to be the historical and cultural center of the Black Sea region.

• In the 8th century, the city came under the rule of the Khazar Khaganate and was renamed from Panticapaeum to Karsha or Charsha.
• In the 10th century, the Northern Black Sea region came under the control of the Rus. The Tmutarakan principality appeared, which included the city of Karsha, named Korchev. It was one of the most important sea gates of Kievan Rus.
• In the 12th century, Korchev came under Byzantine rule, and in the 14th century it became part of the Black Sea Genoese colonies, and was called Vospro, as well as Cherchio. The local inhabitants also retained the name Korchev in everyday use.
• In the 15th century, the merchant and diplomat Josaphat Barbaro, in one of the chapters of his work “Travels to Tana,” named the city Chersh (Kersh).
• In 1475, the Turks captured the Genoese colonies and Cerchio became part of the Ottoman Empire. The city began to be called Cherzeti. He repeatedly suffered from raids by Zaporozhye Cossacks.
• In the 16th century, ambassadors of the Moscow kings going to the Crimean Khan knew the city as “Kerch”.
• In 1774, Kerch (already under its final name) became part of the Russian Empire. This happened following the results of the Russian-Turkish War of 1768-1774.

In order for Kerch to officially top the list of the oldest cities in Russia, it is necessary to obtain the approval of the Presidium of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian government. The management of the East Crimean Nature Reserve prepared the relevant documents last year.

Over the entire history of human existence, the world has seen both the rise and fall of millions of cities, many of which, during periods of special glory and prosperity, were captured, destroyed or abandoned. Thanks to new technologies, archaeologists are looking for and finding them. Buried under sand, ice or mud are former glory and former greatness. But many of the rare cities passed the time test, and so did their residents. We offer an overview of cities that have existed for centuries and continue to live.

Ancient cities withstood and survived despite various difficulties - wars, natural disasters, population migration, modern standards. They have changed a little thanks to progress, but have not lost their originality, preserving both the architecture and the memory of people.

15. Balkh, Afghanistan: 1500 BC

The city, which in Greek sounded like Bactra, was founded in 1500 BC, when the first people settled in this area. The "Mother of Arab Cities" has stood the test of time. And indeed, from the moment of its foundation, the history of many cities and empires began, including the Persian kingdom. The era of prosperity is considered to be the heyday of the Silk Road. Since then, the city has experienced both ups and downs, but is still a center of the textile industry. Today, the former greatness is gone, but the mysterious atmosphere and timelessness have been preserved.

14. Kirkuk, Iraq: 2,200 BC

The first settlement appeared here in 2200 BC. The city was controlled by both the Babylonians and the Medes - everyone appreciated its advantageous location. And today you can see the fortress, which is already 5,000 years old. Although it is only a ruin, it is an outstanding part of the landscape. The city is located 240 km from Baghdad and is one of the centers of the oil industry.

13. Erbil, Iraq: 2300 BC

This mysterious city appeared in 2300 BC. It was the main center of trade and concentration of wealth. For centuries it was controlled by various peoples, including the Persians and Turks. During the existence of the Silk Road, the city became one of the main caravan stops. One of its fortresses is still a symbol of the ancient and glorious past.

12. Tire, Lebanon: 2750 BC

The first settlement appeared here in 2750 BC. Since that time, the city has survived many conquests, many rulers and generals. At one time, Alexander the Great conquered the city and ruled for several years. In 64 AD it began to belong to the Roman Empire. Today it is a beautiful tourist city. There is a mention of it in the Bible: “Who determined this to Tire, who distributed crowns, whose merchants [were] princes, whose merchants were celebrities of the earth?”

11. Jerusalem, Middle East: 2800 BC

Jerusalem is probably the most famous of the cities mentioned in the review in the Middle East, if not the world. It was founded in 2800 BC. and played an important role in human history. In addition to being a world religious center, the city has many historical buildings and artifacts, such as the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The city has a rich history - it was besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times. In addition, it was destroyed and rebuilt twice.

10. Beirut, Lebanon: 3000 BC

Beirut was founded in 3000 BC. and became the main city of Lebanon. Today it is a capital city renowned for its cultural and economic heritage. Beirut has been a tourist city for many years. It existed for 5,000 years, despite the fact that it passed from hand to hand of the Romans, Arabs and Turks.

9. Gaziantep, Türkiye: 3,650 BC

Like many ancient cities, Gaziantep has survived the rule of many nations. Since its foundation, which is 3650 BC, it has been in the hands of the Babylonians, Persians, Romans and Arabs. The Turkish city is proud of its multinational historical and cultural heritage.

8. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 4000 BC

The Bulgarian city of Plovdiv has existed for more than 6,000 years. It was founded in 4000 BC. Before the control of the Roman Empire, the city belonged to the Thracians, and was later under the rule of the Ottoman Empire. Different peoples have left their cultural and historical mark on its history, for example, Turkish baths or the Roman style in architecture.

7. Sidon, Lebanon: 4000 BC

This unique city was founded in 4000 BC. At one time, Sidon was captured by Alexander the Great, and Jesus Christ and St. Paul were there. Thanks to its glorious and rich past, the city is valued in archaeological circles. It is the oldest and most important Phoenician settlement that still exists today.

6. El Fayoum, Egypt: 4,000 BC

The ancient city of Faiyum, founded in 4000 BC, is a historical part of the ancient Egyptian city of Crocodilopolis, an almost forgotten city where people worshiped the sacred crocodile Petsuchus. Nearby are the pyramids and the large center. Everywhere in the city and beyond there are signs of antiquity and cultural heritage.

5. Susa, Iran: 4200 BC

In 4200 B.C. the ancient city of Susa, which is now called Shush, was founded. Today it is home to 65,000 inhabitants, although there were once more. At one time it belonged to the Assyrians and Persians and was the capital of the Elamite Empire. The city has experienced a long and tragic history, but remains one of the most ancient cities in the world.

4. Damascus, Syria: 4300 BC

So, the top ten includes: in Russia this is. Founding date: end of the 4th millennium BC. e. Now this city is part of the Republic of Dagestan. The citadel, old town and fortifications are included in the UNESCO Heritage List. (photos from the sites http://proffi95.ru and http://ru-tour.com)

Behind it comes the village - 753. Until 1703, the village was a city. The village is positioned as “the ancient capital of Northern Rus'.” Leningrad region.

Founded in 859. The historical city center and surrounding monuments are included in the UNESCO Heritage List. Novgorod region.

Year of foundation – 862. Vladimir region.

Year of foundation – 862. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Yaroslavl region.

Founded in 862. Now a village, it used to be a city. Pskov region.

Year of foundation - 862. In the Tale of Bygone Years it is mentioned as Beloozero. Vologda Region. (photo from the site http://nesiditsa.ru)

Year of foundation: 862. Center of the Smolensk region.

Founded in 903. Center of the Pskov region.

It was first mentioned in the chronicle in 1148, but some local sources also report other information: 937, 947, 952 and other years. Yaroslavl region.

And 55 more cities:

Trubchevsk. Year of foundation – 975. Bryansk region.

Bryansk. Year of foundation: 985. Center of the Bryansk region.

Year of foundation: 990. The white stone monuments of Vladimir are included in the UNESCO Heritage List. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Center of the Vladimir region.

Year of foundation – 999. White stone monuments of Suzdal are included in the UNESCO Heritage List. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Vladimir region.

Kazan. Year of foundation: 1005. The Kazan Kremlin is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Capital of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Elabuga. Year of foundation – 1007. Republic of Tatarstan.

Founded in 1010. The historic city center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Center of the Yaroslavl region.

Kursk. Year of foundation – 1032. Center of the Kursk region.

Azov. Year of foundation – 1067. Rostov region.

Rybinsk. Year of foundation – 1071. Yaroslavl region.

Toropets. Year of foundation – 1074. Tver region.

Starodub. Year of foundation – 1080. Bryansk region.

Year of foundation – 1095. Center of the Ryazan region.

Year of foundation – 1135. Center of the Tver region.

Volokolamsk. Year of foundation – 1135. Moscow region.

Roslavl. Year of foundation – 1137. Smolensk region.

Bezhetsk. Year of foundation – 1137. Tver region.

Mikhailov. Year of foundation – 1137. Ryazan region.

Onega. Year of foundation – 1137. Arkhangelsk region.

Olonets. Year of foundation – 1137. Republic of Karelia.

Totma. Year of foundation – 1137. Vologda region.

Torzhok. Year of foundation – 1139. Tver region.

Year of foundation – 1146. Center of the Tula region.

Dace. Year of foundation – 1146. Lipetsk region.

Mtsensk. Year of foundation – 1146. Oryol region.

Founded in 1146. Moscow region.

Kargopol. Year of foundation – 1146. Arkhangelsk region.

Karachev. Year of foundation – 1146. Bryansk region.

Kozelsk. Year of foundation – 1146. Kaluga region.

Moscow. Year of foundation: 1147.

Veliky Ustyug. Year of foundation – 1147. Vologda region.

Belev. Year of foundation – 1147. Tula region.

Vologda. Year of foundation – 1147. Center of the Vologda region.

Dorogobuzh

Yelnya. Year of foundation – 1150. Smolensk region.

Year of foundation – 1152. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Yaroslavl region.

Year of foundation – 1152. Vladimir region.

Lgov

Rylsk. Year of foundation – 1152. Kursk region.

Kasimov. Year of foundation – 1152. Ryazan region.

Zvenigorod. Year of foundation – 1152. Moscow region.

Year of foundation – 1152. Included in the list of cities of the Golden Ring. Center of the Kostroma region.

Gorodets. Year of foundation – 1152. Nizhny Novgorod region.

Year of foundation – 1154. Moscow region.

Novosil. Year of foundation – 1155. Oryol region.

Kovrov. Year of foundation – 1157. Vladimir region.

Year of foundation – 1158. Vladimir region.

Galich. Year of foundation – 1159. Kostroma region.

Velikie Luki. Year of foundation – 1166. Pskov region.

Staraya Russa. Year of foundation – 1167. Novgorod region.

Gorokhovets. Year of foundation – 1168. Vladimir region.

Year of foundation – 1177. Moscow region.

Livny. Year of foundation – 1177. Oryol region.

Kirov. Year of foundation – 1181. Center of the Kirov region.

Kotelnich. Year of foundation – 1181. Kirov region.

I guess I'll stop here. Travel around your country, there are so many interesting things to see!

Over the course of human civilization, many settlements arose that became cities. But time, wars, and natural disasters have turned many of them into ruins. Some of them have survived to this day. What are the oldest cities in Russia still standing today? This question interests many.

Some problems

It can be very difficult to identify countries: the date of foundation of the settlement is not always known. Based on the data of chroniclers or historians, the date can only be determined approximately. When reading the chronicles, historians pay attention to where this or that city is mentioned and what historical events its mention is associated with. The ancient cities of Russia could have had different names in those ancient times. Therefore, the exact date when they were erected is sometimes impossible to find out. But this applies to ancient cities. There are also official statements about the day of foundation, then there is no problem of determining the age of a historical place.

To study the issue, historians turn to the Nikon Chronicle, which was compiled back in the 16th century. Information from Arabic sources dating back to the 10th century is being studied. The famous historical work “The Tale of Bygone Years” also helps in this. The work of archaeologists who conduct excavations and help identify the most ancient cities of Russia does not stop. The list of them changes, there are objects, masonry walls, pavements that provide more and more information to historians. Today these are Velikiy Ladoga, Smolensk, Murom, Pskov, Derbent, Kerch.

Velikiy Novgorod

The history of its occurrence is still unknown. Nobody knows the exact date of its foundation yet. Everything is approximate. But the fact that it is one of the oldest cities in Russia is a fact. The date of the establishment of Novgorod is recorded - 859. The age of the great city is calculated from it. Today he is 1155 years old. But this is not certain either. After all, the year of its foundation was considered to be the date mentioned at that time when the Novgorod elder Gostomysl died. This means that the city was founded much earlier.

The chronicler Nestor in The Tale of Bygone Years wrote about the most ancient cities of Russia. The list, which was called Laurentian, indicated that before the arrival of Rurik (in 862), Novgorod had already existed for a long time. It was founded by the Ilmen Slovenes, who settled near the lake. They named it by its own name - Ilmer. They founded a city and named it Novgorod.

During its history, Veliky Novgorod experienced many events: it was both the capital of a free state, and was captured by Moscow, Swedish and Levon rulers. Alexander Nevsky, Prince of Novgorod, repelled the Swedes in 1240 and the Knights of the Teutonic Order in 1242 on Lake Peipsi.

The most ancient cities of Russia

Among the listed places that are considered the most ancient, Staraya Ladoga stands on par with all of them. Historians date this settlement to the 8th century. It is believed that this city was founded in 753. Historians suggest that it was from Ladoga that Rurik was called to rule and became the first prince in Rus'. Neighbors attacked the city from the north, and the fortress suffered destruction and fires. But in the ninth century it was surrounded not by wooden walls, but by stone ones made of limestone, and Ladoga became a reliable northern fortress - the first in Rus'.

What ancient cities of Russia can be put on a par with Ladoga and Novgorod? This is what Smolensk is like. He is also mentioned in the chronicles in 862. The well-known route “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through it, as through Ladoga. Smolensk became the defense of Moscow and withstood many wars and battles. Fragments of the walls of the fortress, which was built in the 16th century and was considered a miracle of fortification technology of those times, are still preserved.

Murom is an equally ancient city that arose almost simultaneously with Smolensk. This city got its name from the Muroma tribe, of Finno-Ugric origin. His gaze is directed to the east: from there there was a constant threat of attack. Either the Volga-Kama Bulgars, or the Tatar-Mongols. Such ancient cities of Russia as Murom suffered terrible devastation, and no one took care of them for decades. Only in the fourteenth century was it restored, and at the very beginning of the 15th century, Murom was already subordinate to Moscow.

Ancient cities can be listed endlessly, how deep is the history of the country, so many historical places are there: Rostov the Great, Suzdal, Yaroslavl, Vladimir. But there is one city that is more than 5,000 years old, and it still exists today.

"Darband" - narrow gate

No matter how much people argue about which city in Russia is the most ancient, it is Derbent. This is the territory of the Dagestan Republic, but it is part of Russia. This means that Derbent is the most ancient city in Russia. It was located right next to the Caspian Sea: this is a narrow place that remained between the coast and the Caucasus mountains. It is worth noting that when the settlement of Derbend appeared, neither Kievan Rus nor the Russian Empire existed. Derbent was mentioned in chronicles back in the 6th century BC. e., but settlements arose even earlier.

Today, the Naryn-Kala fortress, which is more than 2,500 years old, and the ancient Juma Mosque, built in the eighth century, have been preserved. Derbent controlled the Dagestan corridor through which the Great Silk Road passed. Many peoples tried to take possession of the city, stormed it, and destroyed it. Over its long history, Derbent has experienced both prosperity and decline many times. The protective wall - a fortification structure 40 km long - has survived to this day. The UNESCO organization considers Derbent the most ancient Russian city.