Located in Turkey, Çatalhöyük was considered by many to be the world's first city. By 6500 B.C. its population of 3,000 was so dense that people walked on the roofs of houses rather than streets.

Tell Brak located in Syria was home to the "Eye Temple," named by archaeologists for the discovery of hundreds of idols featuring big eyes. By 5000 B.C. 4,000 people were living in this city.

Located in Egypt, Memphis is known for the nearby pyramids, where pharaohs were buried, as well as the Great Sphinx. In 2250 B.C. its population was 35,000.

Located in Iraq, Babylon was the capital of Hammurabi's short-lived Babylonian Empire. The city achieved glory again in the sixth century B.C. with the construction of the Hanging Gardens . In 1770 B.C. its population was nearly 60,000.

Egypt, Thebes permanently lost capital status in the 13th century B.C. and was destroyed by the Assyrians in 667 B.C. it had a population of 75,000 by 1500 B.C.

Located in Iraq at a strategic point on the Tigris River, Nimrud was the capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire with the population of 75,000 in 800 B.C.

Nineveh another ancient city of Iraq was settled as early as 6000 B.C. By 3000 B.C. it was a major religious center for the goddess Ishtar. Its population was over 100000 people in 700 B.C.

Located in Italy, Rome was home of 40,000 people in 100 B.C.

Turkey's, Constantinople became the new capital of the Roman empire in A.D. 324. By A.D. 500, it was the largest city that remained after the fall of Rome. In 500 A.D. it had 450,000 residents.

Located in north-central China, Chang'an was the capital of more than 10 dynasties. It became the largest city in the world with a population of 600,000 under the Sui Dynasty.