Damascus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with evidence of human habitation dating back to at least 11,000 years ago. It is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East, and has long been a center of culture and trade. Damascus has seen many conquerors and empires, including the Assyrians, Greeks, Romans, and Arabs, and has been the capital city of multiple civilizations. As a result, the city has a long and rich history, with many sites of historical, cultural, and religious significance.