45 Ancient Ruins That Are Even More Stunning Than the Pyramids
42. Erbil Citadel (Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan): World's Oldest Continuously Inhabited Settlement
More than just ruins, the Erbil Citadel is a living archaeological marvel, recognized by UNESCO as potentially the oldest continuously inhabited urban settlement on Earth, with origins dating back over 8,000 years. Perched atop a distinctive tell (mound) in the heart of modern Erbil, its impressive defensive walls enclose a maze of narrow alleys and traditional houses. Layers of Assyrian, Babylonian, Persian, and Ottoman history lie beneath its active community, offering a unique opportunity to experience ancient urban life in a living historical context.
