MARVELS FROM THE PAST

10 Ancient Cities That You Can Still Visit Today

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Eventually, time makes ruins of all of humanity’s achievements, and not even the most magnificent cities are safe from decay. But not everything is lost! Luckily, many wonders from civilizations past are still standing proud. Ancient cities reinvent themselves through the ages, withstanding the test of time and connecting us to our most distant past.

Join us and explore 10 cities that are more than just historical relics, standing as living testaments to the ingenuity and resilience of humanity throughout the ages.

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Considered by many as the cradle of Western civilization, Athens has a legacy spanning over 7,000 years. From being the birthplace of democracy to the epicenter of art, philosophy, and literature in antiquity, Athens is one of the most enduring symbols of ancient Greek culture.

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Located in the heart of the Middle East, Damascus was founded at some point during the 3rd millennium B.C., being among the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Due to its strategic location and role as a key hub for trade and culture, the city kept its relevance until today. Despite facing numerous military conflicts in the recent decades, Damascus has preserved its ancient landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque and the historic Old City.

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Another city that can boast being continuously inhabited since times immemorial, Jericho's origins trace back over 10,000 years. Situated west of the Jordan River, its fertile lands have supported human settlement since the dawn of agriculture. The ancient city's iconic walls and archaeological sites offer a glimpse into the dawn of civilization in the region.

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Situated along the banks of the sacred Ganges River, the city of Varanasi dates back over 5,000 years. According to Hindu mythology, the city was founded by Shiva, one of the major deities of Hinduism, over 5,000 years ago. However, archaeologists now believe the city is closer to 3,000 years old.

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Located in present-day Iran, Susa was one of the earliest cities in the world, dating back to 4300 B.C. Disputed among many empires along its complex history, Susa played a major role in shaping ancient Mesopotamian civilization. Today, the modern Iranian town of Shush is located on the site of the ancient city.

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Also known as Jebeil, Byblos has a long history dating back over 7,000 years. Situated on the Mediterranean coast, it was a vital center of trade and Phoenician culture, exporting many precious goods to ancient Egypt and beyond. Notably, Byblos is also known as the birthplace of the Phoenician alphabet, the ancestor of all modern Western alphabets.

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The second-largest city in Bulgaria, Plovdiv is one of the oldest cities in Europe, with a complex tapestry of Thracian, Greek, Roman, and Ottoman influences. Many archaeological sites within the city are well-preserved, such as a Roman amphitheater and the remains of its medieval fortress walls and towers.

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One of the least-known ancient cities of the world, Larnaca can trace its roots back over 3,000 years. Once the site of the ancient city-kingdom of Kition in the 13th century B.C., it was also the birthplace of the Stoic philosopher Zeno. Although the island endured several devastating earthquakes throughout its history, current visitors can explore its many archaeological sites while enjoying the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean.

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Formerly known as Thebes, Luxor is sometimes referred to as the "world's greatest open-air museum," due to the amount of archaeological ruins and Egyptian constructions that stand within the modern city. With a history spanning almost 4,000 years, it saw dozens of kingdoms and empires rise and fall from its walls. While the Valley of the Kings is one of its most popular landmarks, the city has literally hundreds of historical sites worth visiting.

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Founded in the 8th century during the Idrisid dynasty, an early Muslim kingdom, Fez is one of the oldest cities in Morocco, renowned for its well-preserved Islamic architecture and vibrant cultural heritage. The Medina of Fez, a designated World Heritage site, allows visitors to travel back in time as they explore a large urban area filled with beautiful mosques, ancient streets and restored traditional houses.

IN THE BEGINNING

8 Of The Best Incipits Of All-Time Literature

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Embarking on a literary journey is akin to stepping into a parallel universe. The first few lines of a book, known as the incipit, serve as a gateway into an author's world, setting the tone for the entire narrative. If you happen to be browsing through a bookstore, these powerful first words might actually sell the book faster than any back cover blurb can.

From captivating openings to iconic first sentences, these incipits have left an indelible mark on literature. Join us as we explore some of the best incipits of all time, each a masterclass in the art of literary enticement.

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Book: Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851)

In the vast ocean of literature, few incipits are as instantly recognizable as the opening line of Moby-Dick. Melville's choice of a first-person, informal address invites readers to forge a personal connection with the narrator, Ishmael. This simple yet enigmatic introduction sets the stage for the epic voyage that unfolds.

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Book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens (1859)

Dickens' masterful dichotomy in the opening of A Tale of Two Cities captures the essence of the turbulent historical backdrop against which the novel is set. This iconic incipit not only mirrors the societal upheavals of the French Revolution but also foreshadows the contrasting fates that await the characters.

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Book: Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (1878)

Tolstoy's incipit in Anna Karenina acts as a profound reflection on the diversity of human suffering. Contrasting the consistency of happiness with the individual qualities of pain and misfortunes, the author encapsulates the intricate web of conflicting emotions that are explored in the novel.

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Book: Book of Genesis (debated authorship and date)

Arguably, the opening line of the Book of Genesis is one of the most influential incipits in human history. Its apparent simplicity holds deep significance, marking the dawn of many different religious interpretations and inspiring countless literary and artistic works. Regardless of one's beliefs, this incipit's impact on literature, philosophy, and art cannot be overstated, making it an essential inclusion in our list.

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Book: Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813)

Austen's brilliance shines in the opening line of her most celebrated novel of manners, which playfully satirizes societal expectations regarding marriage and wealth. It immediately immerses readers in the world of manners, relationships, and class differences of the early 19th century.

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Book: The Go-Between by L.P. Hartley (1953)

Hartley's incipit in his novel The Go-Between is like a piercing arrow that forces us to reflect on the very nature of time and memory. The opening line hints at the novel's exploration of nostalgia, regret, and the consequences of revisiting the past through the eyes of a naive character, just like a foreigner might see a new country.

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Book: 1984 by George Orwell (1949)

1984's chilling opening line immediately transports readers to a dystopian world where even something as mundane as a clock can give an impossible hour, signaling that something is deeply wrong. The novel’s protagonist, Winston Smith, sets out from that point on to navigate an unsettling and oppressive world where everything - and everyone - is in plain view, yet the truth is always hidden.

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Book: Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953)

To end this list, a personal favorite. The provocative opening line of Bradbury's masterful novel ignites the imagination immediately. Before learning what is being burned—that is, books—readers are already immersed in the psychological perspective of the protagonist, a fireman who does not fight fires but rather causes them. An incisive commentary on censorship, knowledge, and conformity begins with this fiery and memorable incipit, inviting readers into a thought-provoking exploration of intellectual freedom.