The most ancient cities of Russia: list. What is the oldest city in Russia? The most ancient cities of Russia

Absolutely every city has its own history, some of them are quite young, others have a history of several centuries, but there are also very ancient ones among them. Settlements that still exist today sometimes turn out to be terribly old. The age of the oldest cities helps to clarify historical research and archaeological excavations, on the basis of which the estimated dates of their formation are established. Perhaps the presented rating contains the most old town in the world, and maybe we don’t know anything about it yet.

1. Jericho, Palestine (ca. 10,000-9,000 BC)

The ancient city of Jericho is mentioned many times in biblical texts, however, there it is called the “city of palm trees”, although its name is translated from Hebrew differently - “moon city”. Historians believe that it arose as a settlement around 7,000 BC, but there are finds that indicate an older age - 9,000 BC. e. To put it another way, people settled here before the Ceramic Neolithic, during the Chalcolithic period.
Since ancient times, the city was at the intersection of military paths, which is why the Bible contains a description of its siege and miraculous capture. Jericho has changed hands many times, with its most recent transfer to modern-day Palestine occurring in 1993. Over the course of thousands of years, residents left the city more than once, however, then they certainly returned and reanimated its life. This “eternal city” is located 10 kilometers from the Dead Sea, and tourists constantly flock to its attractions. Here, for example, was the courtyard of King Herod the Great.

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2. Damascus, Syria (10,000-8,000 BC)

Not far from Jericho there is another patriarch among the cities, not much, if not not, inferior to him in age - Damascus. The Arab medieval historian Ibn Asakir wrote that after global flood The Damascus wall was the first to appear. He believed that this city arose 4,000 BC. The first real historical data about Damascus dates back to the 15th century BC. e., at that time they ruled here egyptian pharaohs. From the 10th to the 8th centuries BC. e. it was the capital of the Damascus kingdom, after which it passed from one kingdom to another until in 395 it became part of the Byzantine Empire. After the Apostle Paul visited Damascus in the first century, the first followers of Christ appeared here. Damascus is now the capital of Syria and the second largest city in the country after Aleppo.

3. Byblos, Lebanon (7,000-5,000 BC)

The ancient city of the Phoenicians Byblos (Gebal, Gubl) is located 32 km from Beirut on the coast Mediterranean Sea. There is still a city in this place, but it is called Jabel. In ancient times, Byblos was a major seaport, through which, in particular, papyrus was transported to Greece from Egypt, which the Hellenes called “byblos” because of this, which is why they called Gebal that way. It is reliably known that Gebal existed already 4,000 BC. e. It stood near the sea on a well-protected hill, and below there were two bays with harbors for ships. A fertile valley stretched around the city, and a little further from the sea, mountains covered with dense forest began.
People noticed such an attractive place a long time ago and settled here during the early Neolithic. But when the Phoenicians arrived, the locals for some reason abandoned their inhabited places, so the newcomers did not even have to fight for them. As soon as they settled in a new place, the Phoenicians immediately surrounded the settlement with a wall. Later, in its center, near the source, they built two temples to the main deities: one to the mistress Baalat-Gebal, and the second to the god Reshef. Since then, the story of Gebal has become completely reliable.

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4. Susa, Iran (6,000-4,200 BC)

In modern Iran, in the province of Khuzestan there is one of ancient cities planets - Susa. There is a version that its name comes from the Elamite word “susan” (or “shushun”), meaning “lily”, since these places abounded in these flowers. The first signs of habitation here date back to the seventh millennium BC. e., and during excavations ceramics from the fifth millennium BC were discovered. e. A well-established settlement was formed here around the same time.
Susa is spoken of in ancient Sumerian cuneiform writings, as well as in later texts Old Testament and other sacred books. Susa was the capital of the Elamite kingdom until its capture by the Assyrians. In 668, after a fierce battle, the city was plundered and burned, and 10 years later the Elamite state disappeared. Ancient Susa had to endure destruction and bloody massacres many times, but it was certainly later restored. Now the city is called Shush, it is inhabited by about 65 thousand Jews and Muslims.

5. Sidon, Lebanon (5500 BC)

Now this city on the Mediterranean coast is called Saida and is the third largest in Lebanon. The Phoenicians founded it and made it their capital. Sidon was a significant Mediterranean trading port, which has partially survived to this day, being perhaps the oldest such structure. During its history, Sidon was part of different states many times, but was always considered an impregnable city. Nowadays it is inhabited by 200 thousand inhabitants.

6. Faiyum, Egypt (4000 BC)

In the El Fayoum oasis in Central Egypt, surrounded by the sands of the Libyan Desert, lies ancient city El-Fayoum. The Yusuf Canal was dug from the Nile to it. In the entire Egyptian kingdom it was the most ancient city. This area became known mainly for the reason that the so-called “Fayum portraits” were once discovered here. The Fayum, then called Shedet, which means “sea,” was a frequent site for the pharaohs of the 12th Dynasty, as evidenced by the remains of temples and artifacts discovered here by Flinders Petrie.
Shedet was later called Crocodilopolis, “City of Reptiles,” because its inhabitants worshiped the crocodile-headed god Sebek. Modern Fayoum has several mosques, baths, large bazaars and a lively daily market. Residential buildings here line the Yusuf Canal.

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7. Plovdiv, Bulgaria (4000 BC)

Within the boundaries of modern Plovdiv, the first settlements appeared in the Neolithic era, approximately 6000 BC. e. it turns out that Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe. 1200 BC e. there was a Phoenician settlement here - Eumolpia. In the 4th century BC. e. the city was called Odrys, as confirmed by bronze coins of that period. From the 6th century it began to be controlled Slavic tribes, later it entered the Bulgarian kingdom and changed its name to Pyldin. Over the following centuries, the city passed from the Bulgarians to the Byzantines and back more than once, until it was captured by the Ottomans in 1364. Now the city has many historical and architectural monuments, other cultural sites that attract many tourists to Plovdiv.

8. Antep, Türkiye (3650 BC)

Gaziantep is the oldest Turkish city, and there are not many peers in the world. It is located near the Syrian border. Until 1921, the city bore the more ancient name Antep, and the Turks decided to add the prefix “gazi” to it, meaning “brave”. IN early Middle Ages participants passed through Antep Crusades. When the Ottomans took possession of the city, they began to build inns and mosques here, turning it into shopping mall. Now, in addition to Turks, Arabs and Kurds live in the city, and the total population is 850 thousand people. Many foreign tourists come to Gaziantep every year to see the ruins of the ancient city, bridges, museums and numerous attractions.

9. Beirut, Lebanon (3000 BC)

According to some sources, Beirut appeared 5,000 years ago, according to others - all 7,000. Over its centuries-old history, it could not avoid numerous destructions, but each time it found the strength to rise from the ashes. In the capital of modern Lebanon, archaeological excavations are constantly underway, thanks to which many artifacts of the Phoenicians, Hellenes, Romans, Ottomans and other temporary owners of the city were discovered. The first mention of Beirut dates back to the 15th century BC. e. in Phoenician records, where it is called Barut. But this settlement existed one and a half thousand years before that.
It appeared on a large rocky cape, approximately in the middle coastal strip belonging to modern Lebanon. Perhaps the name of the city comes from the ancient word “birot”, which means “well”. For many centuries it was inferior in importance to its more powerful neighbors - Sidon and Tire, but in the ancient period its influence increased. There was a famous school of law here, which even developed the main tenets of the Justinian Code, that is, Roman law, which became the basis of the European legal system. Now the Lebanese capital is a famous tourist destination.

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10. Jerusalem, Israel (2800 BC)

This city is perhaps the most famous in the world, since there are holy places of monotheism - Jews, Christians and Muslims. That's why it's called "the city" three religions” and “city of the world” (less successful). The very first settlement arose here in the period 4500-3500 BC. e. The earliest known written mention of him (ca. 2000 BC) is contained in the Egyptian “curse texts.” Canaanites 1,700 BC e. They built the first walls of the city on the eastern side. Jerusalem's role in human history cannot be overstated. It is literally overloaded with historical and religious buildings; the Holy Sepulcher and the Al-Aqsa Mosque are located here. Jerusalem was besieged 23 times, and attacked another 52 times, twice it was destroyed and rebuilt, but life in it is still in full swing.

Russia is a country with centuries-old history, which has a huge territory. The country is home to several dozen nationalities located in different regions of the Russian Federation. Each of these regions joined Russia at a certain period: some recently, and some five hundred to a thousand years ago. Accordingly, cities appeared in different times. But which of them bear the proud title of “the oldest cities in Russia”?

Population: 532,772 people

Ryazan opens our Top most countries. The name of the city comes from the territory of the principality, which at the beginning of the 11th century was located on the right bank of the Oka. Tourism in Ryazan is widely developed, because the land on which it is built is ancient territory Russia. There is a lot to see here: St. John the Theologian Monastery, Trinity Monastery, Ryazan Historical Museum-Reserve and much more.

Population: 603,961 people

One of the oldest cities in Russia dates back to 1010. In the past, Yaroslavl proudly bore the title “city of a hundred churches.” Now there are only thirty of them left. You can see all the churches in one day. Yaroslavl has preserved many old cathedrals and architectural monuments, which is not surprising, since it is part of the golden ring Russia. The most important attraction in historical center city ​​is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Cathedral (not to be confused with the monastery of the same name), built in 1516.

Population: 1,205,651 people

Kazan was founded in 1005 as an outpost on the border of Volga Bulgaria. One of the most ancient cities in Russia has a centuries-old rich history and a unique cultural and historical heritage. Included in the list world heritage UNESCO. One of the main attractions in the city is the Kazan Kremlin, built from white brick. And the Kul Sharif mosque is considered the main symbol of the Republic of Tatarstan.

Vladimir Population: 362,581 people

The museum city was founded in 990. It is one of the oldest in the country and is included in the Golden Ring of Russia. They say about Vladimir: “even the city’s hospitals, shops and pharmacies are architectural monuments built by our ancestors.” And there is no exaggeration in this description. Many houses in the city are over 300 years old. And the world famous Golden Gate, Assumption and Demetrius Cathedrals are included in the UNESCO list.

Population: 110,746 people

The first mention of Murom appears in the Tale of Bygone Years. It is from this ancient source managed to establish the origin of the name of the city. In ancient times, one of the tribes of Finno-Ugric origin called “Muroms” lived in this territory.

Prince Vladimir in 988 gave the city to his son Gleb for administration. It was he who became the first ruler of Murom. Tourists will be interested to see the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery, which is the oldest in the country.

Population: 9978 people

There are several references to this city in ancient sources. One dates back to 1024. It describes the revolt of the Magi. The second, in the year 999, which states that Suzdal was founded as a result of the merger of several settlements.

Currently, one of the oldest cities is part of the Golden Ring of Russia. On its territory there is a huge number of monuments, which have no equal anywhere in the country.

Population: 330,049 people

The hero city was first mentioned in 946 in the Tale of Bygone Years as a settlement of the Krivichi tribe. And twenty years later, Prince Oleg captured Smolensk and annexed it to Ancient Rus'. He made his son Igor the prince of the city, but he, due to his youth, could not perform administrative functions, so Smolensk was controlled from Kyiv.

Of the main attractions of the ancient city of Russia, it is worth noting the Boris and Gleb Monastery, the Church of St. John the Evangelist, and the Assumption Cathedral.

Population: 221,954 people

This ancient city was built in 859. It can rightfully be called unique, because such architectural monuments cannot be found in any other city in the world. And the atmosphere of Novgorod, which received bronze in the rating of the oldest cities in the country, cannot be confused with anything. This is due to the fact that the city was built on the site where many events took place. important events Rus'.

Tourists should look at the main attraction of Veliky Novgorod - St. Sophia Cathedral. It is often called the religious center of the country. And the Novgorod Kremlin is one of the most beautiful buildings in the country.

Population: 2012 people

Staraya Ladoga, which took second place in the ranking of the oldest cities in Russia, was founded in 753. But historical evidence shows that even before the founding of the city, people lived here. It is interesting that the first prince of Ancient Rus', Rurik, came from Staraya Ladoga.

Since the city was close to the territories of hostile states, it was the first outpost on the way of foreigners. It was destroyed and rebuilt more than once.

The wooden fortress of Staraya Ladoga was replaced with a stone one in the 9th century, which allowed it to become the first fortress in the country made of this material.

Population: 121,251 people

Derbent is rightfully considered the oldest city in Russia. After all, its history goes back as much as 5,000 years! It was founded when Ancient Rus' did not yet exist in the project. The earliest mentions of the city date from sources from the 6th century BC. But then it was called the Caspian Gate. Included Russian Empire Derbent entered only in 1813, after a truce agreement was signed with Persia. With such a long history, it would be surprising if the city did not have ancient monuments. Among the most famous: the Juma Mosque, built in the 8th century, and the Naryn-Kala fortress, 2500 years old.

From this article the reader will learn about what the oldest cities in Russia are and how old they are. will receive interesting information about the history of these cities and main attractions.

The question of which city in Russia can be called the oldest still remains open. There are various hypotheses, various studies are being conducted, but there is no comprehensive data.

According to data from some sources, I was able to compile a list of the ten oldest cities in Russia:

0. Derbent is a medium-sized city, part of the Republic of Dagestan. Founding date: end of the 4th millennium BC. e.
1. Veliky Novgorod - Small in population regional center. Founded in 859.
2/3/4. - A medium-sized city. It is part of the Vladimir region. Year of foundation: 862
2/3/4. Rostov the Great is the same age as the city of Murom, a small city included in Yaroslavl region. In 1995, the Rostov Kremlin Museum-Reserve was included in the list of especially valuable objects cultural heritage peoples of Russia.
2/3/4. Belozersk (First name - Beloozero). The same age as Rostov the Great. A small city. Year of foundation: 862
5. Smolensk - Large city, regional center of the Smolensk region. Founded in 863.
6. Pskov is a small regional center. Founded in 859.
7/13 Uglich - First mentioned in the chronicle in 1148, but some local sources report other information: 937, 947, 952 and other years.
7/8. Trubchevsk is a small city in terms of population. Founded in 975.
8/9. Bryansk is a regional center. The city was founded in 985.
9/10/11/12 - Regional center. Founding date (one version) is 990.
10/11/12 - A small city that is part of the Vladimir region. Founding date: 999 or 1024.
11/10/12 Kazan - Regional center, capital of the Republic of Tatarstan. Founded in 1005.
11/12/13 Yaroslavl - Large regional center. Founded in 1010.

There is an opinion that the most ancient city in Russia is Derbent. It existed when Ancient Rus' did not yet exist, and its approximate age is 5000 years. However, the composition Russian state this city began to be included only in 1813. Now Derbent belongs to the Republic of Dagestan as part of the North Caucasus Federal District.

However, the oldest original Russian can rightfully be considered a city in Russia Veliky Novgorod . This city was founded in 859 and is the origin of the Christian faith. On the left bank of the Volkhov River in Novgorod there is one of the most beautiful Kremlins in Russia.

The top ten oldest cities in Russia include two cities that are part of the Vladimir region. According to some sources, Suzdal was founded in 999 and also claims to be among the ten most ancient Russian cities.

Moore It is considered the third oldest city in Rus', along with Rostov the Great and Belozersk. The first written mention of it comes from The Tale of Bygone Years. From the chronicle it becomes clear that Murom received its name from the ancient Finno-Ugric tribe “Muroma”, which once lived in the Oka basin. The first prince of Murom was Gleb. Back in 988, he received Murom as an inheritance from the hands of his father - Prince Equal to the Apostles Vladimir. Muromsky Spaso-Preobrazhensky monastery is one of the oldest in Russia.

Vladimir - one of the most beautiful cities in Russia, which stands on the banks of the Klyazma River. According to recent studies by local historians, according to information from a number of chronicle sources, Vladimir-on-Klyazma was founded by Vladimir Svyatoslavich Monomakh in 990. The oldest inhabitants of this region were Finno-Ugric tribes (VI-VII centuries), some of which were subsequently assimilated by the Slavs.

Another ancient city Suzdal first mentioned in the chronicle when talking about the uprising of the Magi in 1024. According to other studies, Suzdal was first mentioned in written sources under the year 999. It is believed that the city arose on the site of ancient agricultural, trade and craft settlements, which, there is every reason to believe, appeared here no later than the 9th century. Now Suzdal is a city-reserve, which is part of the Golden Ring of Russia. In terms of the abundance of architectural monuments and the integrity of its appearance, it has no equal.

If we talk not only about cities, then we can recall another ancient locality- this is the village of Staraya Ladoga, which until 1703 was a city. In 2003, the 1250th anniversary of Staraya Ladoga was celebrated, during which the village was positioned as “the ancient capital of Northern Rus'.”

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Our country is powerful and great. On the territory modern state thousands of years ago there lived tribes that organized permanent settlements. There is still debate about which is the oldest city in Russia. We will help you figure it out.

How to determine age?

It is difficult to determine the specific year of founding of Russian cities. Historians agreed that it is best to focus on the first mentions of settlements in ancient chronicles and written references.

Throughout history, almost all Russian sources were burned due to vicissitudes - disputes over land allotments during the ancient millennia, during the reign of the Macedonian, destructive raids Tatar yoke or during the hours of planting the Christian faith.

All the invaders mercilessly destroyed cultural values and written sources from ancient times, so there are very few of them left. Now, when determining the age of a particular city, scientists are guided by foreign chronicles. But the information they contain is not always reliable.

In the article we indicate the generally known dates of the founding of modern cities. But this does not prevent us from thinking that in their place tens and hundreds of years before there were human settlements.

Kerch

After the annexation of the Crimean Peninsula into Russian Federation The championship in age rightfully began to belong to the city of Kerch. On its territory, even in ancient times, there were several settlement-polises, the main one of which was Panticapaeum. Ancient Greek colonists in the 6th century. BC e. of them they created a military confederation with the aim of confronting the local warlike tribes - the Scythians.

After excavations in the vicinity of the village of Mayak, it became known that the territory of modern Kerch in the 17th-15th centuries BC. e. was already inhabited.

During its heyday, the city occupied total area in 100 hectares. The upper fortified part of the settlement was located on the mountain, which today is called Mithridates. In the center of the acropolis there was a majestic temple dedicated to Apollo, the patron saint of Panticapaeum. Its construction was completed at the end of the 6th century. BC e. And later, ancient architects built another temple, but in honor of Dionysus and Aphrodite.

Confirmation of the antiquity of the city can be seen with your own eyes by visiting the ruins of Panticapaeum, seeing the entrance to the royal mound, or taking an excursion to the historical museum. It should be noted that many historical finds and treasures of antiquity are now part of the collections of the Berlin Museum, the Louvre, the Hermitage, and the Moscow Museum. A.S. Pushkin and the British Museum.

Today Kerch is a developed city with a population of about 148 thousand people. It is located on the shore of the Kerch Peninsula. And it is over 2600 years old!

Derbent

On the territory of the Republic of Dagestan there is one of the oldest cities in Russia - Derbent. Mentions of it date back to the 4th century. BC e. Once upon a time there was a village called the Caspian Gate, which was mentioned in his writings by a geographer from Ancient Greece Hecataeus of Miletus.

Derbent became more developed only in 438 AD. e., when a Persian fortress was founded here with a citadel on a hill and two rows of stone walls. Thus, a narrow passage (3 km) between the Caspian Sea and Caucasus mountains was closed, blocking the path of the conquerors and protecting the townspeople from the invasions of the Huns, Khazars and Scythians. The favorable location made it possible to control all routes from “Anterior Asia” to Eastern Europe.

The rich history of Derbent has given rise to outstanding landmarks on its territory:

• Naryn-Kala Citadel - approximately 438 AD. e.;
• Juma Mosque – VIII century. n. e.;
• Derbent fortress with stone walls up to 20 m high and up to 3 m wide.

Today the city features many museum exhibitions dedicated to antiquity. Also, most of Derbent is a museum under open air– here you can see the excavations of ancient buildings.

By order of the President, in 2014, citizens celebrated the 2000th anniversary of the city.

Veliky Novgorod

The three oldest cities in the country include the original Russian Veliky Novgorod. Its formation dates back to 859 AD. e.

Rurikovich, the founder, was called here ancient Russian state and the founder of the Rurik dynasty in Rus'. Therefore, many historians believe that it was in these places that the birth of Russian statehood took place.

In the Middle Ages, the city was part of Kievan Rus as the center of the Novgorod land. In 1136, Novgorod became the first independent city, separating from Rus'.

During the Tatar yoke, the townspeople paid tribute to the Horde. Therefore, Novgorod was not subjected to destructive attacks and preserved ancient architectural monuments.

Among the main and most outstanding are:

• St. Sophia Cathedral;
• Cathedral of the Nativity of the Virgin Mary in the Anthony Monastery;
• St. George's Cathedral;
• Ruins of the Rurik settlement;
• John's Church on Opoki;
• Znamensky Cathedral;
• Novgorod Kremlin.

All these attractions are available for inspection by tourists - you can see with your own eyes what architecture was like during the times of Kievan Rus and before it.

Today Novgorod is a city of regional significance and at the same time a city military glory. Its population is about 222 thousand inhabitants.

Smolensk is the same age as Veliky Novgorod; the first mentions of it are found in the chronicle and date back to 862 AD. e. Even then it was a populous settlement and the center of the Krivichi tribal union. Therefore, it is not surprising that during the campaigns of conquest in 863, Askold and Dir decided to bypass it. It can be assumed that he is much older.

Smolensk has a very advantageous location - “on the way from the Varangians to the Greeks.” It is believed that during trade travels many travelers visited the city. Thanks to this, he developed very rapidly.

Even today, important trade routes from the capital to the Baltic states, Belarus and European countries pass through Smolensk. Its population is about 330 thousand people.

Moore

The first mention of Murom is found in the Tale of Bygone Years in 862 AD. e. It was from this source that historians were able to establish the origin of the city’s name. It was named after the ancient Murom tribes who lived in these places on the banks of the Oka River.

First ancient Russian prince Gleb became the city when Prince Vladimir gave it to him under control.

The oldest monastery in Russia is located in Murom. This is the Spaso-Preobrazhensky Monastery - very beautiful place with a rich history.

Rostov

In 862, mention also appeared of another Russian city - Rostov the Great. At the beginning of the 10th century. the city became the center of the Rostov-Suzdal land.

Since 1777 it became a city, but in 2006 it received the status of an urban settlement due to a decrease in the number of inhabitants. Now about 31 thousand people live here.

In the center of Rostov on the shore of the island. Nero is the Rostov Kremlin, which in 1995 was included in the list of the most valuable cultural heritage sites in Russia. The residence of the Metropolitan of the Rostov diocese was once located here.

Pskov

A small regional center, according to some historians, was founded in 859. But 903 is considered officially accepted - the year it was mentioned in the Laurentian Chronicle and in the Chronicle of Bygone Years. It was from here that Princess Olga, the wife of Prince Igor, was from.

Pskov is located on the banks of the Velikaya River, where it merges with the Pskova River. It is one of the most important tourist centers in the northwestern part of the country. Many travelers come to see famous landmarks:

• Pogankin chambers;
• Trinity Cathedral;
• Mirozhsky Monastery;
• Pskov Fortress;
• There are many ancient churches that are included in the list of cultural heritage of the country.

Today 203 thousand people live here. The city has lost a little of its power, but still attracts tourists who want to look at examples of ancient architecture.

Uglich

The ten oldest cities in our country include Uglich, which gained its fame thanks to the death of the son of Tsar Ivan the Terrible, Dmitry Uglichsky. In written sources, historians have found memories of this settlement dating back to 937.

Every year, thousands of tourists visit Uglich to see the main attractions - the Uglich Kremlin, the Holy Resurrection, Epiphany and Alekseevsky monasteries, the Church of the Nativity of John the Baptist. Travelers are also attracted by the ensemble of the shopping area and the Mekhov-Voronin House. It’s not for nothing that Uglich is included in the list of the main cities of the “Golden Ring” of Russia.

Suzdal

Another city from the “Golden Ring” - Suzdal - was awarded the Order of the Badge of Honor for special services in the development of tourism in Russia and the preservation of cultural monuments. It is believed that it was founded in 999.

The list of the main attractions of the city includes the ensemble of Torgovaya Square with all the buildings, monastery complexes, Posad monuments and, of course, the Suzdal Kremlin.

In total, there are about 50 temples and churches in Suzdal. Therefore, the townspeople proudly claim that from anywhere in the city one can see the gilded domes of some architectural shrine.

Kazan

Kazan is considered one of largest centers country, therefore it has a registered brand “The Third Capital of Russia”. According to ratings of various Internet portals, the tourism industry is actively developing in Kazan - More and more Russians come here to see the most interesting sights:

• Kazan Kremlin, included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites;
• Peter and Paul Cathedral;
• Palace of Landowners;
• Spasskaya Tower;
• Syuyumbike Tower;
• Kul-Sharif - the main mosque of the Republic;
• Epiphany Cathedral.

The city is located practically on the border between Asia and Europe. And with all its diversity, it successfully embodies the unity of different cultures.

During antiquity, the most ancient Russian city- Kerch. But later, under Kievan Rus, the oldest cities on the territory of former Russia were founded. It seems that until the 900s. This century our ancestors had practically no settlements. It can be argued that in the future archaeologists will still discover the most important evidence that will help determine a more advanced age of our cities.

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What is the oldest city in Russia? There is no exact answer to this question, there are versions. The most common of them, based on the first mentions in the chronicles, say that the oldest city in Russia is Derbent. There is a lot of debate about whether Kievan Rus itself existed at the moment when the first settlements of Derbent were already built?

Derbent passed through. There were a lot of fierce battles for the possession of this important strategic object. Enemies stormed and destroyed the Narrow Gate. Periods of prosperity alternated with periods of decline. The city survived, and its well-preserved stone structures can be seen in the State Historical and Architectural Museum-Reserve.

The oldest city in Russia. Veliky Novgorod is also called this way. It is 1147 years old. In 862 it became the first capital of the Russian state. This city did not suffer from the Tatar-Mongol invasion. Here was the center for the development of culture and painting, architecture and applied arts. Now it is part of the UNESCO world cultural heritage.

The oldest city in Russia, unfortunately, has not been preserved in historical chronicle records of its existence. One can only guess what he was like. There are many cities and settlements in Russia that are more than 1000 years old. This is Staraya Ladoga, it is 1252, and Pskov - 1101, and Izborsk-1147. The numbers are quite arbitrary, exact date no one can tell the reason now. In those time immemorial They did not yet know how to write; literacy began to spread much later than these settlements were created.

There have been many trials. Many of them were destroyed and wiped off the face of the earth as a result of sieges and wars. Some cities were restored starting from scratch, while some of them disappeared into oblivion. Vshchizh, Verzhavsk, Zhizhets, Usvyat do not exist. After them, only mentions in the chronicle and the remains of fortifications remained. Each of these cities, and a hundred more destroyed, can lay claim to this title - the oldest city in Russia.

There are cities with centuries-old history that have managed to survive. They showed their strong vitality, passed the tests of centuries, but as a result of repeated destructive wars they were unable to preserve the monuments of the ancient Russian past.

Such cities include Medyn Kaluga region(1386) and Dorogobuzh of the Smolensk region (1238). Here appanage princes were at enmity with each other, Batu’s soldiers committed arbitrariness, Polish-Lithuanian detachments, soldiers of the great Napoleonic army passed through them, Hitler’s troops passed through them twice. It is not surprising that with such military biography, there are almost no historical traces left in the cities.

The oldest cities in Russia were built on high river banks. Each one acquired its own unique appearance. But for all their uniqueness and diversity, the cities have a similar architectural silhouette, formed by churches with domes and bell towers.

And in the Middle Ages, all ancient Russian cities had defensive fortifications. Research continues, perhaps historians will still answer the question: “What is the oldest city in Russia?”

IN ancient Rus' there was a high art of urban planning. The ancient monuments that have survived to this day testify to this.