Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It is located in Syria. The records of the first settlers in Damascus date back to the 2nd millennium BC. But the first mention of its name appeared in the 15th century BC.
Why it is special: A strategically located city, Damascus was built inland from the Mediterranean on a plateau that was sheltered by the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. The city was provided water by River Barada and was located strategically from trade point of view, at the crossroads between trade lines. The old city is enclosed by the city walls that are surrounded by suburban areas, which arose on routes leading out of the city.