June 21,2023
By Sonakshi Kandhari
Approximately 240 million years ago, the world was one big subcontinent called ‘Pangea’, which was not divided into countries as we know them today. However, around 200 million years ago, countries were established, some of which no longer exist today. Check out this web story to unveil the identities of 10 of the oldest countries in the world.
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This country is perhaps home to the first ever human settlement because the one discovered here dates back to 7000 CE. In fact, even the longest-sustaining civilisation thrived here. Nestled between the Middle East and Asia, this country was founded in 3200 BC and was called Persia until the mid-20th century.
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Excavations brought to light Elba, the nation’s long-lost city, which is believed to be one of the earliest existing human colonies. It is said to have existed around 3000 BCE. Furthermore, the remains that have been uncovered here are said to have been around for 700,000 years.
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Evidence suggests that this country has been in existence for 20,000 years. The findings suggest that there was a Prehistoric Vietnamese age and a Middle Pleistocene Era. Founded in 2879 BC, China largely influenced present-day Vietnam because of trading and the exchange of literature that transpired.
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The Ancient Egyptian civilisation dates back to 6000 BCE, and its first dynasty was established in 3100 BCE. Furthermore, even the most recent excavations suggest that the ancient Egyptian dynasty was present 5 millennia ago. Even during those times, their society was progressive with new-age technologies. However, Modern Egypt took shape in 1953, after the Egyptian Revolution of 1952.
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Evidence suggests that this country has been in existence for 20,000 years. The findings suggest that there was a Prehistoric Vietnamese age and a Middle Pleistocene Era. Founded in 2879 BC, China largely influenced present-day Vietnam because of trading and the exchange of literature that transpired.
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons
Present-day North and South Korea once formed the Korean Peninsula. With a rich history spanning 5000 years Korea was formerly called Gojoseon from 2333 BCE to 108 BCE. It was named after the dynasty it was ruled by, the Goguryeo Kingdom, which wielded immense power during its reign.
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This country makes the list because of the unity that prevailed during the Shang Dynasty from 1700 to 1046 BCE. But there is an alternate theory that suggests that there was a civilisation earlier than this one: the Xia Dynasty. But there is no substantial evidence to prove the same.
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The Harappan Civilisation, the Indus Valley Civilisation and the Bronze Age bear testimony to the fact that human settlements have been in existence in India for 2,50,000 years. But present-day India was founded in 1947 after winning its Independence against the British.
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Jimmu, the nation’s first emperor, came into power in 660 B.C. This country has seen many empires gain and lose power with the passage of time. The Meiji Restoration Era brought Japan into the limelight. Apart from being one of the oldest countries in the world, it is also one of the oldest countries in Asia.
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In the excavations and remains of this country, an old wine jar was one of the most interesting objects that were uncovered. This evidence sheds light on prehistoric winemaking and dates back 800 years.This evidence is supported by archaeological findings, and Georgia is considered the birthplace of winemaking.
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