Top 10 African Countries with Ancient Cities Still Inhabited Today

In Summary:

• Africa hosts multiple ancient cities that have remained continuously inhabited for centuries or millennia.
• These cities served as centers of trade, governance, religion, and learning across different eras.
• Urban continuity in Africa reflects resilience, adaptation, and cultural preservation rather than decline.
• Living ancient cities challenge global misconceptions about Africa’s historical development.

Deep Dive!!

Thursday, 22 January, 2026 – Africa’s urban history stretches far deeper than many global narratives acknowledge. Long before medieval Europe emerged, African societies had already built complex cities that functioned as political capitals, trade hubs, religious centers, and intellectual strongholds. Remarkably, several of these cities were never abandoned, evolving continuously across centuries of shifting empires, belief systems, and economic change.

This article examines ten African countries whose ancient cities remain inhabited today, drawing on archaeological research, UNESCO records, classical sources, and modern historical studies. These living cities reveal Africa’s enduring urban traditions and challenge the idea that ancient civilizations existed only as ruins rather than vibrant, evolving communities.

10. Ethiopia: Aksum

Ethiopia’s place in ancient urban history is anchored by Aksum, a city that rose to prominence around the first century CE as the capital of the Aksumite Empire. Archaeological evidence confirms Aksum’s role as a major commercial and political center linking Africa, Arabia, and the Mediterranean world. Monumental stelae, ancient inscriptions, and early Christian architecture attest to its longevity.

Despite shifts in political power, Aksum has remained inhabited for nearly two millennia. Today, it functions as both a religious center of Ethiopian Orthodox Christianity and a living town, making Ethiopia one of Africa’s strongest examples of uninterrupted urban continuity.

9. Tunisia: Carthage and Tunis

Tunisia’s urban continuity is tied to the Phoenician founded city of Carthage, established in the ninth century BCE. While Carthage itself experienced destruction and rebuilding under Roman rule, its urban legacy transitioned into nearby Tunis, which has remained continuously inhabited for over a thousand years.

Roman roads, aqueducts, and city planning influenced modern Tunis, which grew into a major Islamic and Mediterranean urban center. Tunisia’s layered urban history places it firmly among Africa’s oldest continuously settled urban landscapes.

8. Sudan: Dongola

Sudan hosts some of Africa’s earliest urban civilizations, particularly along the Nile Valley. Old Dongola emerged as a major city of the Christian Makurian Kingdom around the fifth century CE and became a political, religious, and economic hub.

While the city’s prominence declined after the medieval period, settlement never fully ceased. Archaeological surveys and local habitation confirm continuous occupation, reinforcing Sudan’s status as a cradle of ancient African urbanism.

7. Morocco: Fez

Founded in the eighth century CE, Fez is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in North Africa. Its historic medina, recognized by UNESCO, preserves urban layouts, markets, and institutions that have operated for over a millennium.

Fez became a major intellectual and commercial center of the Islamic world, hosting Al Quaraouiyine University, widely regarded as the oldest continuously operating university globally. The city remains a living testament to Morocco’s enduring urban heritage.

6. Algeria: Constantine

Originally known as Cirta, Constantine predates Roman rule and was later rebuilt under Emperor Constantine in the fourth century CE. Its dramatic geography and strategic location made it a key urban center across Numidian, Roman, Islamic, and Ottoman periods.

Despite wars and regime changes, Constantine has remained inhabited for over two thousand years. Today, it stands as one of North Africa’s most continuously occupied cities, blending ancient foundations with modern life.

5. Egypt: Luxor

Egypt’s claim to ancient urban continuity is unparalleled, particularly through Luxor, formerly Thebes. Founded more than four thousand years ago, Thebes served as a capital of ancient Egypt during its most powerful dynasties.

Modern Luxor sits directly atop layers of ancient habitation. Unlike abandoned archaeological sites, Luxor remains a thriving city where daily life unfolds alongside temples, tombs, and monuments still standing from antiquity.

4. Libya: Tripoli

Tripoli traces its origins to Phoenician settlements established in the seventh century BCE. It later flourished under Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic rule, evolving into a major Mediterranean port city.

Despite political instability in modern times, Tripoli has remained continuously inhabited for over two thousand years. Its old city preserves urban structures reflecting successive civilizations layered across centuries.

3. Ghana: Kumasi

Kumasi emerged as the capital of the Ashanti Empire in the late seventeenth century but is rooted in earlier Akan settlements. Unlike many ancient cities defined by stone ruins, Kumasi represents continuity through living political and cultural institutions.

The city remains the seat of the Asantehene and the spiritual heart of Ashanti civilization. Its uninterrupted occupation underscores Africa’s tradition of living heritage rather than abandoned monumental cities.

2. Mali: Timbuktu

Founded around the twelfth century, Timbuktu rose as a global center of trade, scholarship, and Islamic learning. Manuscripts and archaeological records confirm continuous habitation despite political decline after the sixteenth century.

Even through environmental challenges and modern conflict, Timbuktu remains inhabited. Its endurance highlights West Africa’s role in sustaining ancient urban centers tied to knowledge, trade, and faith.

1. Egypt: Cairo

Cairo stands as Africa’s most enduring continuously inhabited ancient urban center. Built near earlier cities such as Memphis and Fustat, Cairo’s urban history spans more than two thousand years of uninterrupted settlement.

From Pharaonic foundations through Roman, Islamic, and modern periods, Cairo evolved without abandonment. Its continuous growth, population density, and political relevance make Egypt the continent’s leading example of ancient urban survival.

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