5 modern capital cities that date back to ancient times

july 17, 2025

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From Athens to Cairo, here are some ancient cities that became modern capital cities.

Images: Shutterstock

Athens, Greece

The capital city of Greece is one of the oldest cities in Europe (circa 3000 BC). It rose to prominence in ancient Greece by 500 BC, as a city-state and a centre of democracy and philosophy.

Istanbul, Turkey

The Turkish capital was originally founded by Greek colonists around 700 BC. Since then, it has served as the capital of four empires – Roman, Latin, Byzantine, and the Ottoman Empire.

Beijing, China

The capital of modern China has also served as the capital of nearly six dynasties (700 BC). It is home to ancient architecture (Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven, parts of the Great Wall).

New Delhi, India

The capital city of India has served as the capital of multiple empires(Tomaras, Chauhans, Delhi Sultanate, Mughals). Evidence suggests that it was inhabited around 1000 to 800 BC.

Cairo, Egypt

The Egyptian capital of Cairo is one of the world’s oldest Islamic cities, dating back to 969 AD. The city sits at a crossroads of historical international trade routes from Europe, Asia, and Africa.

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