10 cities where you can write a world history textbook

2024 Author: Richard Flannagan | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-15 23:55

Cities are like books. They are full of secrets, intrigues and exciting stories with an unusual ending. For them merciless battles were fought, they were conquered and divided, destroyed and erected, worshiped and honored. But one way or another, each of them went down in history with its beginning and end, leaving an indelible mark in the hearts of the majestic civilizations of different times, however, as well as in the souls of modern people who have been there at least once …

1. Cuzco, Peru

The city, located high in the Andes, was once the capital of the legendary Inca empire. Unfortunately, little is known about its origin. It is believed that it was built in the image of the cougar, an animal sacred to the Incas, but in accordance with a clear urban plan. Cuzco was promoted both economically and administratively. Household heads were expected to pay taxes, and city officials were expected to use the money to build infrastructure and provide people with food and safety when needed. It was also the center of mathematics, astronomy and calendar systems. Many ruins are located in the immediate vicinity of the modern city center, which also offers a host of attractions, entertainment and historical sites.

2. Alexandria, Egypt

Before Alexander the Great founded it in 331 BC, Alexandria was already an important port city due to its location in the delta of Egypt, being the main center of knowledge in the ancient world. It housed a huge library of scrolls, one of the largest in antiquity. The library stood as a symbol of culture and intellectual achievement until it burned down in a fire staged by Julius Caesar. This place was also home to the philosopher Eratosthenes, who discovered that the earth was round in its dimensions. And centuries later, Alexandria played a significant role in Napoleon's military operations, also due to its central location. Today this city is of no less value, arousing great interest among tourists who flocked from all over the world to see where and how the East met with the West in the midst of classical civilization.

3. Athens, Greece

Of course, Athens played a significant role in shaping the Western world and what it is today. By 1400 BC. the city was already quite popular in the ancient world. In fact, it was inhabited over seven thousand years ago. A city-state of the once thriving ancient Greece, Athens played a critical role in shaping philosophy, drama, literature and science. Its central location has made it a hotbed of cultural exchange and trade. Athens is home to impressive ruins such as the Parthenon and the Temple of Olympian Zeus. And even today, in the modern world they still serve as a vibrant metropolis and are renowned for their culture, art, media, entertainment, trade and finance.

4. Varansey, India

Dating back to the 11th century BC, Varanasi is one of the oldest cities in the world. It is located in the Indian state of Uttar Pradesh on the Ganges River, and many come to its banks to perform funeral rites, as it is believed that those who die here will be granted eternal life. Varanasi is also home to many temples, making it one of the seven holy cities of Hinduism. One of its most famous sites is the Golden Temple, which honors the Hindu god Shiva. Currently, noisy Varanasi is bright and colorful as never before, it is replete with a variety of rituals and rituals of life and death, taking place on the banks of the sacred Ganges, and here you can easily get lost in one of the many ancient labyrinthine passages of the city.

5. Prague, Czech Republic

One of the most historically preserved cities in Europe, Prague is still a classic medieval city with characteristic architecture. Some famous figures from Prague include the painter Alphonse Mucha (although born in Ivančice) and the author Franz Kafka, and Mozart himself was a frequent visitor here. The bohemian city is rich in folklore. In addition, it was home to a historically large Jewish community with a significant monastic presence. In Prague, you can also find the oldest operating astronomical clock, Prague Castle and the tavern where Pilsner beer was first produced. She was part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire and more recently a member of the Soviet bloc. Since the Czech Republic gained independence, Prague has become an increasingly chic city with a multicultural presence, large shopping centers and famous eateries.

6. Beijing, China

Despite the fact that Beijing is officially over three thousand years old, it continues to play an important role in the history of China for eight millennia, as it is one of the four ancient capitals of the Celestial Empire. In particular, Beijing was the base of the notorious Ming and Qing dynasties, as well as the capital under Mao's presidency during the communist revolution in China. This city, like no other, is very interesting from the point of view of culture and history. It is here that the famous Forbidden City, which was a majestic imperial palace during the Qing Dynasty, is home to a myriad of exquisite Chinese temples, and, of course, much of the Great Wall of China. Beijing has a long history of one of the greatest and most interesting human civilizations and has become very modernized since then.

7. Berlin, Germany

Berlin is known to strike the perfect balance between the poor and the free. However, his story requires special attention and reading between the lines. The history of Berlin is something that you can feel more than see, getting lost among the faded streets with gray, almost foggy buildings, and dissolving in a carefree mood, suddenly discover goosebumps running down your skin from the memories and what once was here. Berlin was the capital of Nazi Germany, which was shamefully divided in two during the Cold War. But before that, he could boast of great thinkers such as Marx, Einstein and many others. As a matter of fact, its whole essence was born out of this story at the very moment when city dwellers diligently and diligently developed counterculture and nightlife, making it so famous today, in response to its rich (albeit sometimes turbulent) past.

8. Istanbul, Turkey

Istanbul is the most important crown jewel in the string of historical events. When it was known as Constantinople, it was the capital of the Byzantine Empire after the fall of Rome and was one of the key and main junctions on the Silk Roads. In fact, due to its central location between East and West, most classical civilizations have played a role in its formation. Istanbul was also the capital of the Ottoman Empire until it was dissolved after World War I. Reminders of every element of its rich history can be seen throughout the city, as much of it is wonderfully preserved. A great example is Hagia Sophia, which was a huge church under the Byzantine Empire that was converted into a mosque during the Ottoman rule.

9. Carthage, Tunisia

It is believed that the Phoenician queen Dido founded Carthage in 900 BC. But in the end, the Romans destroyed the Carthaginian Empire as a result of the Punic Wars. However, due to its central location, they realized that it was a necessary strategic position in their empire. Under Julius Caesar, the city was revived and eventually flourished as a colony. Unfortunately, Carthage's position as a foreign conquest did not end there. Vandals, Muslim conquerors and Byzantines have all been involved in the history of Carthage. Many ruins remained after the fall of the great city, including Roman villas, the ancient baths of Antoine, the Sanctuary of Topet and the port of Punica, which still offer magnificent sea views.

10. Boston, USA

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the United States. Historically, it is the home of the American intellectual elite. In fact, it was here that the first national university, Harvard, was founded. Today it is still the city with the largest number of colleges in the country. Politically, Boston was an important site for the American Revolution, making it the backdrop for many events that changed the course of history. The city has retained much of its historic urban layout. The city's New England architecture and cobbled streets still pay homage to those times. Boston has become much more than its past as it has become an innovative and modern city with a vibrant culture.

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