8 Largest Ancient Cities in the World, from Egypt to Rome

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Stories from the distant past have a timeless appeal, captivating history enthusiasts and curious minds alike. When it comes to exploring the world’s largest ancient cities, the fascination only grows stronger. 

Thanks to extensive research and in-depth studies, scholars have uncovered a wealth of intriguing details about these sprawling urban centers. Let’s dive in and uncover the remarkable stories behind them.

Largest Ancient Cities in History 

Based on the data published by World Atlas and several other sources, Babylon, Carthage, and Memphis are among the largest ancient cities known to mankind, with other civilizations as follows: 

1. Memphis, Egypt 

Founded in the year of 2925 BCE, the capital of ancient Egypt, Memphis, was one of the largest ancient cities. Named by King Menes himself, Memphis earned the poetic nickname “The White Walls,” inspired by the gleaming color of the king’s majestic palace. Some of the famous remnants of Memphis include the Great Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza. 

2. Thebes, Greece 

The birthplace of mythical Greek hero Hercules, Thebes was affectionately referred to as “Seven-Gated Thebes,” to differentiate it from Thebes in Egypt. This large city had significance in Greek myths, as proven by its predominant appearance in ancient myth and literature, including the stories of Dionysus and Oedipus. Thebes eventually failed to maintain its prominence as it was destroyed by Alexander the Great in 335 BCE. 

3. Babylon, Iraq 

Babylon is perhaps the most familiar ancient city in history due to its close ties with Christian and Jewish religious literature, and the supposed existence of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon. Nevertheless, there is no actual evidence to back up its existence. With ruins located in south Baghdad, these locations were designated as UNESCO World Heritage site in 2019. 

4. Athens, Greece 

Hailed as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens proudly laid the foundations for the world’s first democracy. In its golden age, this pioneering city-state empowered its citizens with the right to vote on major decisions. But after flourishing for millennia, even a city as iconic as Athens couldn’t escape the tides of history. Its reign eventually faded under the weight of widespread colonization, closing a remarkable chapter in human civilization.

5. Persepolis, Iran 

Once the heart of the mighty Persian Empire, Persepolis stood as a symbol of grandeur and power dating back to 515 BCE. One of four imperial capitals, this sprawling city took centuries to fully rise from the ground, according to World Atlas. Built predominantly in the majestic Achaemenid style, Persepolis showcased the artistic brilliance and ambition of an empire that shaped history.

6. Alexandria, Egypt 

Founded in 331 BCE as a bustling Mediterranean port, Alexandria quickly rose to prominence, eventually surpassing Memphis to become ancient Egypt’s new capital. Its rapid growth and strategic location made it a beacon of culture, trade, and knowledge in the ancient world. Today, modern Alexandria thrives atop layers of history, with much of the original city lying submerged beneath the waves, lost to centuries of earthquakes and tsunamis. 

7. Carthage, Tunisia 

Started off 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 much of the Mediterranean and Europe through its military power, transforming itself into one of the largest ancient cities in history. At the height of its power in 117 CE, an astonishing 20 percent of the world’s population held Roman citizenship. Yet this colossal rise began humbly, with the Roman Republic not officially taking shape until the late sixth century BCE.

From the majestic temples of Memphis to the democratic ideals of Athens, and from the ruins of Persepolis to the enduring legacy of Rome, the largest ancient cities offer more than just remnants of stone, but they tell the story of humanity’s ambition. Still with ancient inspiration, check also the oldest countries in Europe here.  

WORLD ATLAS | VISUAL CAPITALIST | THE COLLECTOR

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