What is recognized as the oldest continually inhabited city?

The city recognized as the oldest continually inhabited city is often identified as the City of Jericho. Archaeological evidence suggests that Jericho has been inhabited for more than 10,000 years, making it a significant site in terms of continuous human settlement. The other cities listed, while ancient and historic, do not have as clear or as long a record of continuous habitation as Jericho.

Damascus is also one of the contenders for the title of the oldest continuously inhabited city and has a long and rich history. Still, the evidence for the specific timeline of its continuous habitation is less definitive compared to Jericho. Jerusalem, meanwhile, is notable for its immense historical and religious significance, but its early periods of occupation have faced disruptions, which impacts its claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited city. Cairo, although historically important and populous, came into prominence much later in history.

Thus, recognizing Jericho as the oldest continually inhabited city aligns with the evidence found at archaeological sites.