Which countries belong to the ancient world? Great empires of antiquity

It has been established that the most ancient states of the world were formed approximately six thousand years ago, and most of them disappeared from the face of the earth, leaving them in memory of descendants in best case scenario their names. But among them there are also those who, passing through the centuries, were able to adapt to constantly changing realities at all historical stages and, thus, survive to this day.

Regarding where and when the world's first civilization arose, researchers do not have a consensus, but most of them agree that, most likely, it was the state of Sumer. Formed at the end of the 4th century BC in the region of Southern Mesopotamia (Southern Iraq) and existing for more than two thousand years, it disappeared from the historical scene, leaving many monuments of its culture discovered during excavations. Like many other ancient states of the world, it collapsed under the onslaught of conquerors.

At the dawn of civilization, states, as a rule, occupied very small territories and did not have a large population. It is known, for example, that in the middle of the fourth millennium BC there were more than forty of them in the Nile Valley alone. The center of each of them was a fortified city, which housed the residence of the ruler and the temple of the most revered local deity.

Survival of the fittest

The ancient states of the world waged a constant struggle for survival, since there were few fertile lands, and there were many applicants for their possession. As a result, endless wars broke out, in which the local ruler acted as leader, and, if successful, supervised irrigation work. Slave labor was used little, since, due to the primitiveness of weapons, keeping a large number of prisoners were dangerous. They were usually killed, leaving only women and teenagers.

Formation of the state of Ancient Egypt

The picture changed at the beginning of the fourth millennium BC, when the most successful of the local kings, who went down in history under the name of Pharaoh Mines, managed to subjugate several neighboring peoples. The names of the states of the Ancient World that were part of the new kingdom remained mostly unknown, but they gave rise to a great civilization, which modern Egyptologists call the Early Kingdom.

Of all the existing states, Egypt is considered the most ancient. Its history goes back about forty centuries and is divided by researchers into several stages, each of which has its own characteristics. government And economic development. This unique culture of the country of the pharaohs enriched the world with many forms of art, which then spread to other continents.

Armenia, which came from time immemorial

The first states of the Ancient world, which have survived to this day, for the most part had a completely different ethnic composition population compared to the current one. An example of this is Armenia, which has a history of two and a half thousand years, but, according to a number of researchers, arose much earlier and originated from the ancient kingdom of Arme-Shubria, which existed back in the 12th century BC.

In those years, it was a complex conglomerate of small but independent states and peoples, constantly replacing each other. As a result of long historical path on their basis the Armenian nation was formed. The very name of this state in its modern sound was first mentioned in one of the documents dating back to 522 BC. There, Armenia is described as a region subordinate to Persia and located on the territory of the ancient state of Urartu, which had disappeared by that time.

Ancient Iranian state

Another ancient state in the world is Iran. Regarding the period of its origin, scientists agree that it was formed from the state of Elam, which existed in the same territory five thousand years ago and is mentioned in the Bible. In the 7th century BC, the Iranian state significantly expanded its territory, strengthened economically and transformed into the powerful and warlike Kingdom of Media, which in size exceeded the territory of present-day Iran. Its military potential was so great that over time the Medes were able to defeat the hitherto invincible Assyrians and subjugate their surrounding neighbors.

Iran, like many ancient states of the world, paved its way into the future with fire and sword. In the oldest monument of ancient Iranian literature, the Avesta, it is called the “country of the Aryans.” The tribes that later made up the bulk moved to it from the northern regions of the Caucasus and the steppes of Central Asia. Having quickly assimilated the local non-Aryan peoples, they were able to establish control over the entire territory of the country without much difficulty.

Civilization of Ancient China

When listing the states of the Ancient World that were most adapted to the vicissitudes of history, one cannot help but recall China. According to scientists of this extensive eastern country, civilization on its territory arose no later than five thousand years ago, although a number of written monuments indicate a slightly younger age - three thousand six hundred years. It was during this period, marked by the reign, that a strict administrative system was founded in the country, constantly improving and covering all aspects of society.

The natural conditions of China, which developed in the basin of the Yellow and Yangtze rivers, were extremely conducive to the development of agriculture, thus determining the agrarian nature of its economy. Other neighboring states of the Ancient World were located in mountainous and steppe regions unsuitable for arable farming.

From the moment of its inception, China pursued an active aggressive policy, which, with sufficient economic potential, allowed it to significantly increase its already vast territory. It is widely known how high the level of science and culture was in Ancient China. Suffice it to mention that already in the 11th century BC its inhabitants used the lunar calendar and knew the basics of hieroglyphic writing. Around the same period, a regular army, created on a professional basis, appeared in the country.

Cradle of European civilization

This title rightfully belongs to Greece. It is known that about five thousand years ago the island of Crete became the birthplace of a unique culture, which over time spread to the mainland. On it, for the first time, the foundations of statehood were formed, trade and diplomatic relations were established, and writing was also born in its modern form and basic legislation.

The state and law of the Ancient World reached the highest point of their development on the coast of the Aegean Sea, where in the first millennium BC a civilization that was advanced at that time developed. It was a fairly developed state structure, built on a model and having at its disposal a developed bureaucratic apparatus. Greek influence in short term spread to vast areas of the Northern Black Sea region, Southern Italy and

Despite the fact that historically the name Hellas belongs to Ancient Greece, today the inhabitants of this country extend it to the modern state, thereby emphasizing the connection with the great culture of which they are the heirs.

A country born on the islands

And at the end of the article, it is appropriate to recall another, this time an island state that came to our world from ancient times - Japan. In 661 BC, the reign of her first began. He began his activities by establishing control over the entire archipelago, which he achieved not so much by force of arms as by thoughtful diplomacy.

Japan has gone through a unique path in its development. While states associated with wars appeared on the world stage and then disappeared without a trace, the Land of the Rising Sun for many centuries managed to avoid any serious political and social upheaval. Undoubtedly, this was largely facilitated by the geographical isolation of the state. In particular, it was she who saved the country from the Mongol invasion, which at one time swept significant part Asia.

A country that has preserved itself through the centuries

Japan is the only country where the dynastic continuity of imperial power has been maintained for two and a half millennia, and the outlines of its borders have remained virtually unchanged. This allows us to consider it the most ancient country, preserved almost in its original form, since other ancient states of the world, even those who managed to overcome a centuries-old path, repeatedly changed their political appearance.

The first states appeared about 6,000 years ago, but not all of them were able to survive to this day. Some have disappeared forever, while others only have their names left. Let us note 6 states that, to one degree or another, have retained connections with the Ancient World.

The most ancient states on Earth

Armenia

The history of Armenian statehood goes back about 2,500 years, although its origins should be sought even deeper - in the kingdom of Arme-Shubria (XII century BC), which, according to historian Boris Piotrovsky, at the turn of the 7th and 6th centuries BC. e. turned into a Scythian-Armenian association.

Ancient Armenia is a motley conglomerate of kingdoms and states that existed simultaneously or succeeded one another. Tabal, Melid, the Mush kingdom, the Hurrian, Luwian and Urartian states - the descendants of their inhabitants eventually merged with the Armenian people.

The term “Armenia” is first found in the Behistun Inscription (521 BC) of the king of Persia, Darius I, who so designated the Persian satrapy on the territory of the disappeared Urartu. Later, in the valley of the Araks River, the Ararat kingdom arose, which served as the basis for the formation of three others - Sophen, Lesser Armenia and Greater Armenia. From about the 3rd century BC. e. the center of political and cultural life of the Armenian people moves to the Ararat Valley.

Iran

The history of Iran is one of the most ancient and eventful. Based on written sources, scientists suggest that Iran is at least 5,000 years old. However, in Iranian history they include such a proto-state formation as Elam, located in the southwest of modern Iran and mentioned in the Bible.

The first most significant Iranian state was the Median kingdom, founded in the 7th century BC. e. During its heyday, the Median kingdom was significantly larger than the ethnographic region of modern Iran, Media. In the Avesta this region was called the “Country of the Aryans.”

The Iranian-speaking tribes of the Medes, according to one version, moved here from Central Asia, according to another - from North Caucasus and gradually assimilated the local non-Aryan tribes. The Medes very quickly settled throughout western Iran and established control over it. Over time, having grown stronger, they were able to defeat the Assyrian Empire.

The beginnings of the Medes were continued by the Persian Empire, spreading its influence over vast territories from Greece to India.

China

According to Chinese scientists, Chinese civilization is about 5,000 years old. But written sources speak of a slightly younger age - 3600 years. This is the beginning of the Shang Dynasty. Then a system of administrative management was laid down, which was developed and improved by successive dynasties.

Chinese civilization developed in the basin of two large rivers - the Yellow River and the Yangtze, which determined its agricultural character. It was developed agriculture that distinguished China from its neighbors, who lived in less favorable steppe and mountainous regions.

The state of the Shang dynasty pursued a fairly active military policy, which allowed it to expand its territories to the limits that included the modern Chinese provinces of Henan and Shanxi.

By the 11th century BC, the Chinese were already using lunar calendar and invented the first examples of hieroglyphic writing. At the same time, a professional army was formed in China, using bronze weapons and war chariots.

Greece

Greece has every reason to be considered the cradle European civilization. About 5,000 years ago, the Minoan culture arose on the island of Crete, which later spread to the mainland through the Greeks. It was on the island that the beginnings of statehood were indicated, in particular, the first writing appeared, and diplomatic and trade relations with the East emerged.

Appeared at the end of the 3rd millennium BC. e. Aegean civilization already fully demonstrates state formations. Thus, the first states in the Aegean Sea basin - in Crete and the Peloponnese - were built according to the type of eastern despotism with a developed bureaucratic apparatus. Ancient Greece is rapidly growing and spreading its influence to the Northern Black Sea region, Asia Minor and Southern Italy.

Ancient Greece is often called Hellas, but local residents extend the self-name to the modern state. It is important for them to emphasize the historical connection with that era and culture, which essentially shaped the entire European civilization.

Egypt

At the turn of the 4th-3rd millennium BC, several dozen cities of the upper and lower Nile were united under the rule of two rulers. From this moment the 5000-year history of Egypt begins.

Soon a war broke out between Upper and Lower Egypt, which resulted in the victory of the king of Upper Egypt. Under the rule of the pharaoh, a strong state is formed here, gradually spreading its influence to neighboring lands.

The 27-century dynastic period of Ancient Egypt is the golden time of ancient Egyptian civilization. A clear administrative and management structure is being formed in the state, advanced technologies for that time are being developed, and art and architecture are rising to unattainable heights.

Over the past centuries, a lot has changed in Egypt - religion, language, culture. Arab conquest the country of the pharaohs radically turned the vector of development of the state. However, it is the ancient Egyptian heritage that is business card modern Egypt.

Japan

The first mention of Ancient Japan is contained in Chinese historical chronicles of the 1st century AD. e. In particular, it says that there were 100 small countries in the archipelago, 30 of which established relations with China.

Presumably the reign of the first Japanese Emperor Jimmu began in 660 BC. e. It was he who wanted to establish power over the entire archipelago. However, some historians consider Jimma a semi-legendary person.

Japan is a unique country, which, unlike Europe and the Middle East, has developed for many centuries without any serious social and political upheavals. This is largely due to its geographical isolation, which, in particular, protected Japan from the Mongol invasion.

If we take into account the dynastic continuity that has been uninterrupted for more than 2.5 thousand years and the absence of fundamental changes in the country’s borders, Japan can be called a state with the most ancient origins.

Today there are 257 countries in the world, 193 of which are members of the UN, while others have a certain status. Many of these countries became independent only recently, while others are just fighting for their right to be sovereign.
Historians are well aware of the dates of the founding of young states, and as for the first countries on planet Earth, their history is shrouded in the darkness of millennia, hidden under a layer of ancient dust.
There is a lot of controversy over the very methodology for determining the most ancient states. After all, every nation has its own myths and legends about the founding of their state. For example, the legendary foundation of one of the smallest modern states, San Marino, dates back to the beginning of the 4th century. According to legend, in 301, a member of one of the first Christian communities found refuge in the Apennines, on the top of Monte Titano. Thus, formally San Marino is considered independent state from September 3, 301. In fact, we can talk about some kind of independence of the founded settlement only from the 6th century, when Italy broke up into many dependent and independent territories.
According to Japanese myths, the Land of the Rising Sun was founded back in 660 BC. e., but the first state on Japanese territory, Yamato, arose during the Kofu period, which dates back to 250 - 538.
Ancient Greece is considered one of the most ancient civilizations, the cradle of philosophy, culture, and science. But Greece became a truly independent country only in 1821 after it left the Ottoman Empire.
Therefore, in order to compile a correct rating, we took into account only those forms of organization of society that correspond to the modern characteristics of the state: sovereignty, own territory, state symbols, language, and so on. In addition, only those states that are on the modern world map were taken into account.
So, the ranking of the most ancient states was 10 modern countries from three continents.

1. Elam, 3200 BC e. (Iran)

The modern state in southwest Asia - the Islamic Republic of Iran was founded on April 1, 1979 as a result of the Islamic Revolution. But the history of statehood in Iran is one of the oldest in the world. For centuries, this country played a key role in the East. The first state on the territory of Iran - Elam - arose in 3200 BC. e. The Persian Empire under Darius I extended from Greece and Libya to the Indus River. In the Middle Ages, Persia was a strong and influential state.

2. Egypt, 3000 BC e.

Egypt - the most ancient state world, about the history of which a lot has been preserved interesting information. It was in this mysterious and mysterious country of the pharaohs that many types and forms of art were born, which later developed in Asia and Europe. They served as the basis for ancient aesthetics - the starting point of all the arts of our time.
Egypt is the largest country in the Arab East, one of the centers of its political and cultural life, the “tourist Mecca” of the world. Egypt occupies a unique geographical position, located at the junction of three continents - Africa, Asia and Europe and two of the world's largest civilizations - Christian and Islamic.
Egypt arose on the territory where one of the most powerful and mysterious civilizations, whose history dates back centuries and millennia. In 3000 BC. e. Pharaoh Mines united the Egyptian lands and created a state that Egyptologists today call the Early Kingdom.
Echoes of that era - Great Egyptian pyramids, mysterious Sphinxes and grandiose Temples of the Pharaohs.

3. Wanglang, 2897 BC e. (Vietnam)

Vietnam is a country in South-East Asia, located on the Indochina Peninsula. The name of the country consists of two words and is translated as “the country of the Vietnamese in the South.” The Viet civilization arose in the Red River basin. According to legend, the Viet were descended from a dragon and a fairy bird. The first state on the territory of Vietnam, Van Lang, appeared in 2897 BC. e. For some time, Vietnam was part of China. In the second half of the 19th century, Vietnam became colonially dependent on France. In the summer of 1954, Vietnam became an independent state.

4. Shang-Yin, 1600 BC e. (China)

China is a state in East Asia, the largest state in the world by population (over 1.3 billion); ranks third in the world in terms of territory, behind Russia and Canada.
Chinese civilization is one of the oldest in the world. According to Chinese scientists, its age may be five thousand years, while the available written sources cover a period of at least 3,500 years. The long-standing presence of administrative systems, which were improved by successive dynasties, created obvious advantages for the Chinese state, whose economy was based on developed agriculture, compared to its more backward nomadic and mountaineer neighbors. Chinese civilization was further strengthened by the introduction of Confucianism as a state ideology (1st century BC) and unified system letters (2nd century BC).
The state of Shang-Yin, which existed from 1600 to 1027 BC on the territory of modern China, is the first public education, the reality of whose existence is confirmed not only by archaeological finds, but also by narrative and epigraphic written sources.
In 221 BC. e. Emperor Qin Shi Huang united all Chinese lands and created the Qin Empire, the territory of which corresponds to modern China.

5. Kush, 1070 BC e. (Sudan)

The modern state of Sudan in northeast Africa is equal in area to the entire Western Europe, and its population is only 29.5 million people. The country is located in the middle reaches of the Nile River with surrounding plains, plateaus and the adjacent Red Sea coast.
Kush (Meroitic Kingdom) is an ancient kingdom that existed in the northern part of the territory of modern Sudan from 1070 to 350 BC. e. The existence of the kingdom of Kush is confirmed in the remains of temples, sculptures of gods and kings. There is evidence that writing, astronomy and medicine were already developed in Kush at that time.

6. Sri Lanka, 377 BC e.

Sri Lanka (“Blessed Land”) is a state in South Asia, on the island of the same name off the southeastern coast of Hindustan. The history of Sri Lanka begins with the Neolithic period when the first settlements were discovered in Sri Lanka. Written history begins with the arrival of the Aryans from India, who spread the rudiments of knowledge of metallurgy, navigation, and writing among the local population.
In 247 BC. e. Buddhism penetrated into Sri Lanka, which had a decisive influence on the formation of the country and its political system.
In 377 BC. a kingdom arose on the island with its capital in ancient city Anuradhapura.

7. Chin, 300 BC. e. (Democratic People's Republic of Korea and Republic of Korea)

Korea is a geographical territory that includes the Korean Peninsula and adjacent islands and is united by a common cultural and historical heritage. In the past there was a single state. In 1945, after the defeat of Japan in World War II, the territory of Korea, which was at that time a Japanese colony, was delimited into two zones of military responsibility: the Soviet one - north of the parallel of 38 ° N. w. and the American one to the south of it. Subsequently, in 1948, two states emerged on the territory of these zones: the Republic of Korea in the south and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea in the north.
According to legend, the first Korean state was founded by the son of a bear woman and a celestial being, Tangun, in 2333 BC. e. Historians call the earliest stage of Korean history the period of the Ko Joseon state. Most modern historians agree that the date is 2333 BC. e. is greatly exaggerated, since it is not confirmed by any historical documents other than individual medieval Korean chronicles.
It is believed that at the dawn of its development, Ancient Joseon was a tribal union consisting of separately governed city-states, and centralized state he became in 300 BC. e. Around the same time, the proto-state of Chin was formed in the south of the peninsula.

7. Iberia, 299 BC e. (Georgia)

Modern Georgia is considered a young independent state. But the history of the formation of Georgian statehood goes back to antiquity. Georgia is among the detection sites ancient monuments human civilization.
Historians believe that the first states on the territory of Georgia were formed back in the 3rd-2nd millennium BC. e. These were the Colchis kingdom, located on east coast Black Sea, and Iberia, modern eastern Georgia. In 299 BC. e. Pharnavaz came to power in Iberia. During the reign of Farnavaz and his immediate descendants, Iberia achieved great power and became a state with significant territories. In the 9th century, a new united state arose on the territory of Georgia, the ruler of which was a king from the Bagrationi dynasty.

8. Greater Armenia, 190 BC e. (Armenia)

The first mentions of Armenia are found in the cuneiform writings of the Persian king Darius I, who reigned in 522-486. BC e., also in Herodotus (5th century BC) and Xenophon (5th century BC). On the maps of the largest historians and geographers of antiquity, Armenia is marked along with Persia, Syria and other ancient states. After the collapse of the empire of Alexander the Great, the Armenian kingdoms arose: Greater Armenia, Lesser Armenia and Sophene.
Great Armenia, large state, stretching from Palestine to the Caspian Sea, created in 190 BC. historians call it the first state on the territory modern republic.

9. Yamato, 250 (Japan)

Japan is an island state in East Asia located in Pacific Ocean in the Japanese archipelago, consisting of 6,852 islands. According to Japanese legend, in 660 BC. e. Jimmu founded the Land of the Rising Sun and became its first emperor.
The first written mentions of ancient Japan, as single state, contained in historical chronicles of the 1st century AD. e. Chinese Han Empire. In the 3rd century compendium of the Chinese Wei Empire, 30 Japanese countries are mentioned, among which Yamatai is the most powerful. Its ruler, Himiko, is reported to have maintained power using "charms."
From 250 - 538 , Kofun period, the Yamato state emerges. It is assumed that Yamato was a federation.
The Kofun period is so named because of the Kofun mound culture that was prevalent in Japan for five centuries. The photo shows the Daisenryo Mound, the tomb of Emperor Nintoku, early 5th century.

10. Great Bulgaria, 632 (Bulgaria)

Bulgaria is a state in Southeast Europe, in the eastern part of the Balkan Peninsula. The first state of the Bulgarians about which accurate historical information has been preserved was Great Bulgaria, a state that united the tribes of the proto-Bulgarians and existed in the Black Sea and Azov steppes for only a few decades from 632 to 671. The capital of the state was the city of Phanagoria, and its founder and ruler was Khan Kubrat. This is where the history of Bulgaria as a state began.

Today we will talk about the most ancient countries in the world. At the beginning of time they were the centers of civilization, and today they can boast of the richest culture and heritage of their great ancestors.

The most ancient states: From past to present

The most first states were founded more than six thousand years ago. Only a few of them were lucky enough to survive into the twenty-first century. Some died in bloody wars or were destroyed by epidemics, while others retained only names, losing more than 90% of their territories. In this article we have collected six ancient countries who managed to survive millennia.

The most ancient states: Armenia

The Armenian state is by no means the oldest of those represented today, but 2500 years is a very respectable age. First mentions Arme-Shubria Kingdom scholars date it to the twelfth century BC. Already in the seventh century this state turned into Scythian-Armenian kingdom.

Ancient Armenia was very similar to Russian Federation. It was not a single country, but a conglomerate of several small kingdoms. The most famous of them: Melid, Mush kingdom, Hurrit, Luviy, Tabal, Urarta. In the end, all the ancient states on the territory of the Armenian kingdom merged into one integral people, whose descendants live in modern Armenia.

Armenia was mentioned as a full-fledged ancient state in the 500s AD chronicler King of the Persian Empire Darius the First. The Persians called the entire territory of Armenia Urarta. Later appeared Kingdom of Arart, who managed to get out of Persian rule. In the Middle Ages, there were three independent ancient states on the territory of Armenia: Lesser and Greater Armenia, as well as Sophene.

The most ancient states: Iran

Iran is not only one of the most ancient countries, but also with the most eventful history. Historians estimate the age of the state in 5-5.5 thousand years. The beginning was made small State of Elam, which is mentioned even in the Old Testament.

The first large ancient state on the territory of modern Iran appeared in the seventh century BC - the Median kingdom in its heyday was almost comparable in territory to the modern state. It's interesting what the neighbors called this area "The Land of the Aryans".

The Medes quickly realized that the key to the prosperity of their ancient state was military expansion. Their only serious competitors were the Assyrians, who built their huge empire in Asia Minor. The Median kingdom eventually managed to defeat them, and then grew into the huge Persian Empire, stretching from India to Greece, and holding hegemony in the ancient world for hundreds of years.

The most ancient states: China

Chinese scientists say that China is more than five thousand years old. Written sources do not agree - the first written mention of Chinese Empire 3600 years. At this time, came to power over the ancient state Shang dynasty. At the same time, a full-fledged system of laws and government of the country appeared.

The ancient state of China developed between the two largest rivers in the region - the Yangtze and Yellow River.. That is why the empire was more of an agricultural country than a military entity. Neighbours ancient China on the contrary, they only knew how to fight, and therefore developed much more slowly than the settled, educated Chinese.

After death Shang Dynasty, other, no less great, influential families came to power. By the eleventh century AD, the ancient state of China already had its own calendar, fully developed calligraphy and vast territories conquered with the help of a large army, including revolutionary weapons of the time - war chariots.

The most ancient states: Greece

Ancient Greece is considered the cradle of European civilization. Almost 5000 years ago, the first full-fledged ancient state - Minoan kingdom. A little later, the Minoans moved to the mainland and eventually, merging with the local population, became Greeks.

The ancient state of Greece was educated, with its own written language, laws, developed military affairs and extensive trade relations with all the major countries of that era.

The Aegean civilization appeared on the mainland in the third millennium BC. This was already a real ancient state. Later appears policy system– individual Greek cities states with their own rulers, laws and armies, which could be allies or enemies. Ancient Greece became the founder of democracy and many laws taken into service modern states Europe.

The most ancient states: Egypt

In the fourth millennium BC, dozens major cities on the banks of the Nile were united by two rulers to the most ancient state in the world - .

As always happens, two cannot sit on the same throne.. The war between the Upper and Lower Kingdoms lasted several decades, after which one of the rulers named himself the pharaoh of the entire Egyptian kingdom. Egypt's dynastic history goes back almost 2,700 years. It is this time that is considered by historians to be the “golden age” of the state. Technologically, financially and scientifically, Ancient Egypt overtook all his neighbors.

Today, the heirs of one of the greatest and most ancient states in the world are fundamentally different from their ancestors. Everything has changed, from religion to language. However, today we can see incredible cultural and architectural monuments left by the ancient Egyptians, who exalted their pharaoh to the level of the Gods!

The most ancient states: Japan

The first written sources that mention Ancient Japan, date back to the first century AD. It would seem that, Compared to other ancient countries of the world, Japan is very young. However, in Asia, where at this time there was not much large countries, the Japanese were quickly able to build a real island empire, had trade and diplomatic ties with all its neighbors, including China y.

Japanese historians refer to their chronicles, which indicate that Japan is more ancient country. So, The first ruler of the ancient state is considered to be Jimmu, who ruled in the seventh century BC.

Considering the depth of Japanese culture, which has managed to remain in our time, 2500 years of imperial dynasties and practically unchanged borders since its founding, it is this state despite its age, it can be considered the oldest existing.

Who knows how many more millennia these ancient states will live...
Material prepared specifically for PF

Most popular blog articles of the week

February 04, 2014

Old light

No wonder Europe is called the “old world”. A continent with a long history, located in the Northern Hemisphere between Africa and Asia, received its name from the Phoenician princess Europa, the heroine of ancient mythology.

On the territory of modern Europe there are 43 states. It is known that the first people came here 35 thousand years ago from India and Africa. And the oldest countries of the European continent arose in the 4th-6th centuries BC. e. Many of them disappeared or became part of other states. For example, the oldest state on the island of Crete, which appeared 500 years before the founding of ancient Greek settlements, died as a result of a volcanic eruption. But there are countries that have existed for many centuries in a row.

The oldest one today existing countries The Most Serene Republic of San Marino is considered to be on the European continent. A small country is located in Italy in the east of the Apennine Peninsula. Its area is 61 square meters. km. Despite its more than modest size, San Marino has all the attributes of statehood: its own flag, anthem, parliament, which exercises control over 9 fortress districts. The state fully justifies its motto - “Freedom!” Throughout the 17 centuries of its existence and to this day, the country has not been involved in political confrontations and wars.

San Marino

The founding day of the free Republic of San Marino is considered to be September 3, 301, and the state constitution dates back to October 8, 1600. The first settlement was founded by the stonecutter Marino on Mount Titano, where to this day the capital of the same name, San Marino, is located, bearing the name of its founder.

Marino was one of the first representatives of Christianity who, with like-minded people, fled from his native Dalmatia from the ancient Roman ruler Diocletian, who was famous for his cruelty towards Christians. A Christian community led by Marino settled on the plateau of Mount Titano, which became the beginning of the settlement.

Bulgaria rightfully belongs to the category of old countries and has 1332 years of history. The first ancestors of the Bulgarians moved to the territory of the Black Sea region, the Azov region and the North Caucasus in the 1st-3rd centuries. The emergence of Old Great Bulgaria dates back to 632. The state was founded by Khan Kubrat, who managed to liberate the territory from the power of the Avars. Before this period, the Bulgarians were not united into one state; their lands passed from one powerful warrior to another.

Under Khan Kubrat, the Bulgarian Khanate became a major military-political force. But, after a few decades, the country fell apart. In 681, Danube Bulgaria appeared, which expanded its lands to neighboring territories in the Danube Delta and Moesia.

One of the most beautiful cities in Bulgaria is Sofia, where the oldest cathedrals and historical architectural monuments are located. The construction of the Church of St. Sophia dates back to the 6th century. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is the largest Orthodox church Balkan Peninsula with an area of ​​2600 square meters. m.

Bavaria, a region on the territory of modern Germany, has retained its name unchanged since the 7th century. These lands were inhabited in ancient times by the Celts, whose nation later mixed with the Romans and Germans.

Bavaria begins its history with Roman settlements. The Romans founded a number of fortified cities: Regensburg, Augsburg, Passau. Then there were duchies conquered at the end of the 8th century by Charlemagne. The Bavarian lands became part of the Frankish Empire.

Museums under open air

Today Bavaria is a free, dynamically developing state on German territory.

European cities are rightfully considered open-air museums. Visiting the sites of ancient settlements in Europe can become a journey to ancient states with their numerous castles, cathedrals and fortresses.