Largest Ancient cities in the world
Egypt, an ancient civilization, was eventually absorbed into the Roman Empire. After the defeat of Cleopatra and Mark Antony in 30 BC, Egypt became a Roman province governed by a prefect directly subordinate to the emperor. The Romans relied heavily on Egypt as a primary source of grain and other valuable resources, thereby enriching the empire.
8 Largest Ancient cities in the world, from Egypt to Rome
1. Memphis, Egypt
Founded in 2925 BC, the capital of Ancient Egypt, Memphis, was one of the largest cities of its time. So named by King Menes himself, Memphis received the poetic nickname “White Walls,” inspired by the sparkling color of the majestic royal palace. Famous monuments in Memphis include the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza.
2. Thebes, Greece
Thebes, the birthplace of the mythical Greek hero Hercules, was affectionately known as “Thebes with Seven Gates” to distinguish it from the city of the same name in Egypt. This large city was of great importance in Greek myths, as evidenced by its predominant depiction in ancient myths and literature, including the stories of Dionysus and Oedipus. Over time, Thebes lost its fame, as it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 335 BC.
3. Babylon, Iraq
Babylon is one of the most famous ancient cities in history due to its close ties to Christian and Jewish religious literature, as well as the supposed existence of the Hanging Gardens of Semiramis. Visit A F R I N I K . C O M .For the full article. However, there is no actual evidence to confirm its existence. Since the ruins are located in southern Baghdad, they were added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2019.
4. Athens, Greece
Athens, considered the cradle of Western civilization, proudly laid the foundations of the world’s first democracy. In its golden age, this pioneering city-state granted its citizens the right to vote in making important decisions. But despite its millennial heyday, even such an iconic city as Athens could not escape the ebb and flow of history. His dominance eventually came to naught under the weight of large-scale colonization, marking the end of a remarkable chapter in human civilization’s history.
5. Persepolis, Iran
Persepolis, which had been the center of the mighty Persian Empire since 515 BC, became a symbol of greatness and power. According to the Atlas of the World, this vast city, one of the four capitals of the empire, took centuries to rise fully from the ground. Built primarily in the majestic Achaemenid style, Persepolis demonstrates the artistic brilliance and ambitions of the empire that shaped history.
6. Alexandria, Egypt
Founded in 331 BC as a bustling Mediterranean port, Alexandria quickly gained prominence, eventually surpassing Memphis and becoming the new capital of Ancient Egypt. Its rapid growth and strategic location made it a beacon of culture, commerce, and knowledge in the ancient world. Today, modern Alexandria plays a leading role in history, and most of the original city is underwater, lost due to centuries-old earthquakes and tsunamis.
7. Carthage, Tunisia
Starting as a settlement, Carthage had unexpectedly developed into an empire before it was embroiled in three major conflicts with Rome. Despite its marine dominance and strategic prowess, Carthage eventually fell to Roman might. In a final twist of history, the victorious Romans razed the city and built their own atop its ashes.
8. Rome, Italy
Rome colonized most of the Mediterranean and Europe due to its military might, becoming one of the largest ancient cities in history. At the peak of its power in 117 AD, 20 percent of the world’s population had Roman citizenship. However, this colossal rise began modestly when the Roman Republic was officially formed only at the end of the sixth century BC.
From the majestic temples of Memphis to the democratic ideals of Athens, from the ruins of Persepolis to the enduring legacy of Rome, the largest ancient cities represent more than just stone ruins; they tell the story of humanity’s aspirations.
