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Meet Jericho, the Oldest City in the World: 12 Thousand Years of History, Wars, Culture, and Curiosities That Challenge Time.
While Brazil has cities that have barely made it past three decades, such as Palmas (TO), a small point in the Middle East carries about 12 thousand years of history. This is Jericho, located in the West Bank, near the Jordan River and the Dead Sea, considered by archaeologists and historians as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
The human presence dates back to around 10,000 BC, and the site already exhibited stone walls and urban structures when most of humanity still lived in small nomadic groups.
In addition to its historical, religious, and cultural importance, Jericho is also the scene of modern conflicts, resulting from decades of political and military disputes involving Israel and Palestine.
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Oldest City in the World Impresses Archaeologists
Jericho stands out among the major discoveries in archaeology. Situated at one of the lowest points on Earth’s surface—about 260 meters below sea level—it gathers evidence of human presence for around 12 thousand years.
Artifacts found in excavations reveal defensive walls, stone towers, and primitive tools, indicating an advanced degree of urban organization for the Neolithic period.
Among the most emblematic findings is a circular tower over 8 meters tall, dated to approximately 8,300 BC.
History of Wars and Resistance Over the Centuries
Besides its antiquity, Jericho is also marked by its capacity to withstand wars and territorial conflicts that have plagued the region over the millennia. Overlapping layers of construction reveal the multiple civilizations that passed through, each leaving its mark.
Despite the destructions, the city has never been completely abandoned, reinforcing its title as the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Its strategic location, between rivers and fertile lands, was a crucial factor in its longevity.
Curiosities That Make Jericho Unique
The longevity of Jericho is not its only achievement. The city is mentioned in biblical, Christian, and Islamic texts, including the famous account of the walls falling in the Book of Joshua, when, according to tradition, the Israelites conquered the city to the sound of trumpets.
Today, Jericho attracts tourists from around the world who seek to explore its millennia-old ruins and experience contact with one of the oldest civilizations on the planet.
Many visitors report the feeling of “traveling back in time” when walking through streets that existed millennia before the rise of empires such as the Roman or Babylonian.
The Present of Jericho Is Still Marked by War and Occupation
Despite its valuable heritage, Jericho faces modern challenges. Since the Six-Day War in 1967, the city and much of the West Bank have been militarily controlled by Israel, leading to a variety of tensions and international complaints.
The city is located in what is known as Area A, under the administration of the Palestinian National Authority. However, the surrounding area remains surrounded by military checkpoints, Israeli settlements, and restrictions on mobility imposed on the local population.
The military presence and the construction of new settlements are considered illegal by the United Nations and various human rights organizations.
Living History Among Ruins and Conflicts
Jericho is a city that lives between two extremes: on one side, a symbol of the origin of urban life; on the other, it reflects the open wounds of war and contemporary conflicts.
Its trajectory shows that history is not just made of conquests, but also of resistances.
For scholars, Jericho represents more than ruins: it is a reminder of how humanity has evolved, faced challenges, and fought for territory, culture, and identity.
And for the Palestinian people, it is a symbol of hope and resistance in the face of a struggle that, unfortunately, has not yet come to an end.
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