Rome often claims the spotlight as one of the world’s great ancient cities, but it wasn’t the first capital to rise from stone and vision. While Rome was founded around 753 BCE, several capitals around the world trace their origins back even earlier. For history buffs, these destinations are living time capsules, blending modern life with layers of ancient heritage. Here are five countries whose capitals predate Rome—and why you should add them to your travel list.
1. Athens, Greece
Long before Rome became an empire, Athens was already flourishing as a center of philosophy, politics, and culture. Archaeological evidence suggests the city has been inhabited for over 7,000 years, with its official foundation often dated to around 3,000 BCE. Walking through Athens today, visitors encounter iconic sites like the Acropolis, the Parthenon, and the Ancient Agora, once frequented by Socrates and Plato. Beyond the ruins, Athens is a vibrant capital that seamlessly blends café culture with historical grandeur.
Why visit: To stand on the Acropolis is to gaze back at the cradle of democracy itself.
2. Damascus, Syria
Often referred to as the “oldest continuously inhabited city in the world”, Damascus boasts a history stretching back at least 4,000 years. Mentioned in ancient Egyptian records and the Bible, Damascus has seen the rise and fall of empires from the Arameans to the Ottomans. Despite challenges in modern times, its legacy remains unmatched—narrow streets of the Old City, the stunning Umayyad Mosque, and centuries-old souks still capture the imagination.
Why visit: To experience a city where every stone whispers stories of civilizations past.
3. Beirut, Lebanon
The capital of Lebanon, Beirut, dates back over 5,000 years, with its earliest settlers being the Phoenicians—master traders and seafarers who left their mark across the Mediterranean. Archaeological finds reveal layers of history from Roman baths to Ottoman palaces. Despite its modern image as a cosmopolitan hub, Beirut’s historical roots are deep, offering a unique juxtaposition of old and new.
Why visit: To explore a coastal capital where ancient Phoenician trade routes shaped the very idea of global exchange.
4. Jerusalem, Israel
Few cities rival Jerusalem in historical and spiritual significance. Inhabited since at least 3,000 BCE, it has served as a capital and sacred city for countless civilizations and three major world religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Its Old City walls enclose treasures like the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. For history enthusiasts, Jerusalem is both a living archive and a spiritual crossroads.
Why visit: To walk through millennia of layered history in one compact city.
5. Cairo, Egypt
While the modern city of Cairo officially dates to 969 CE, it sits atop and near settlements far older than Rome. Ancient Memphis, located just outside today’s Cairo, was founded around 3,100 BCE and served as the capital of Egypt’s Old Kingdom. The area remains home to some of the most recognized monuments in the world—the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx, and countless archaeological wonders that continue to be unearthed.
Why visit: To witness the grandeur of ancient Egypt, where civilization was already thriving thousands of years before Rome’s birth.
Final Thoughts
Rome is undeniably iconic, but it was far from the first great capital. Athens, Damascus, Beirut, Jerusalem, and Cairo each predate Rome and carry with them stories of innovation, power, and resilience. For history buffs, traveling to these cities is not just a journey through geography—it’s a journey back in time to the origins of civilization itself.
