Jericho: The First Walled City of the Ancient World

Jericho, located in the West Bank near the Jordan River, is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and is often referred to as the first walled city. Archaeological evidence shows that people began settling in Jericho as early as 10,000 BCE, during the Neolithic period.
Around 8000 BCE, the inhabitants built a massive stone wall and a round tower—both remarkably advanced for their time. These structures likely served defensive purposes or may have had ritual or communal significance.
The wall of Jericho is a key milestone in early human urban development, showing an early transition from nomadic life to settled agricultural communities.
Over the centuries, Jericho was inhabited by various civilizations, including the Canaanites and later the Israelites, as mentioned in the Bible. Today, Jericho stands as a powerful symbol of ancient innovation and resilience.