Still thriving after all these years: The world’s oldest cities

At 498 years old, St Augustine, Florida, is the oldest continuously settled city in the U.S. In 1513, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon took possession of the territory. Compared with other cities around the world, however, St. Augustine is just a baby. Paris, for example, celebrates its 2060th birthday in July. Let's take a look at some of the oldest cities worldwide.

Paris, France. Earliest inhabitation: 250 B.C.

While this modern-day city celebrates its birthday this month, it was actually inhabited many years earlier by the Celtic tribe Parisii.

Athens, Greece. Earliest inhabitation: 1400 B.C.

Considered the cradle of Western civilization, this history-rich metropolis is the birthplace of a modern form of government and hosted the inaugural modern-day Olympics in 1896.

Cadiz, Spain. Earliest inhabitation: 1100 B.C.

Located on a land spit in the south of Spain, this ancient city was the principal trading post for its founding tribe, Phoenicia. Currently this seaside city is home to a Spanish military branch.

Jurusalem, Israel. Earliest in habitation: 2800 B.C.

The spiritual center for believers of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam, this holy city has been captured 44 times and destroyed twice throughout its tumultuous history.

Libson, Portugal. Earliest in habitation: 1200 B.C.

This densely populated capital city boasts a rich history and is recognized as the wealthiest region in Portugal.

Which of these cities would you most like to visit? Why?