The debate over the world's oldest continuously inhabited city rages on among archaeologists. With claims from several ancient cities, one contender boasts settlements dating back over 11...

The question of the world's oldest continuously inhabited city remains a topic of active debate among archaeologists. Several cities vie for the title of the oldest, each boasting its own rich history and archaeological evidence.

One of the key contenders is Jericho. Located in present-day Israel, Jericho can boast incredible antiquity. Archaeological excavations at Tell es-Sultan, the site of the ancient city, indicate the presence of settlements dating back to 9000 BC. If these findings are confirmed, Jericho would be over 11,000 years old.

A serious competitor to Jericho is Faiyum, an oasis in Egypt. Here, traces of early settlements have been found, estimated to be around 7200 BC.

Other ancient cities, such as Byblos and Beirut in Lebanon, also deserve mention, as their histories reach deep into antiquity. However, it is Jericho and Faiyum that remain the main contenders for the title of the world's oldest city.

The question of which city can rightfully be considered the oldest continues to spark great interest among scholars and history enthusiasts. Further archaeological research and discoveries may shed light on this fascinating mystery of the past.