Which city holds the title of the oldest city known to history?

The City of Eridu is recognized as the oldest city known to history due to its significant archaeological findings that date back to around 5400 BCE, which positions it in the ancient region of Sumer in present-day Iraq. Eridu is often considered a pivotal site in the development of urbanization, as it demonstrates the complexities of early city life, including advancements in construction, agriculture, and governance that laid the groundwork for future civilizations.

The archaeological evidence from Eridu includes early temples and the remains of a city structure, indicating it played a vital role in the rise of urban living. Its establishment predates other ancient cities and is often referenced in early historical texts, including Sumerian king lists, which highlight its importance in early Mesopotamian culture.

In contrast, while the other cities mentioned, such as Babylon, Athens, and Troy, hold significant historical and cultural relevance, they emerged later than Eridu. Babylon, for instance, rose to prominence around the 18th century BCE, Athens became widely influential in the 5th century BCE, and Troy, famously featured in Homeric epics, has dated structures that begin around 3000 BCE. Therefore, Eridu stands out as the earliest manifestation of urban society recognized in historical