Unraveling the Mystery of the World's Oldest Nations
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Chapter 1: The Quest for the Oldest Nation
Determining which country holds the title of the oldest in the world is far more intricate than one might expect. Commonly mentioned contenders include Egypt, China, Armenia, and San Marino.
While it's relatively easy to identify the newest countries, pinpointing the oldest is a subject of ongoing debate among historians. Egypt, China, Armenia, and San Marino all lay claim to this title. But which one truly deserves it?
Section 1.1: Egypt's Timeless Legacy
Modern-day Egypt is often seen as a hub for tourists drawn to its stunning landscapes and historic landmarks. Yet, its profound history often places it at the forefront of discussions about the oldest nations. The civilization emerged in the early 3rd millennium BCE and thrived for nearly 3,000 years until 30 BCE, when it fell under Roman dominion.
Egypt's history is typically categorized into four primary eras:
- Old Kingdom (circa 2675–2170 BCE)
- Middle Kingdom (2050–1760 BCE)
- New Kingdom (1570–1070 BCE)
- Late Period (664–332 BCE)
It's also important to consider the Intermediate Periods, marked by turmoil and conflict.
In discussing Egypt's ancient legacy, one must consider its dynastic rule over approximately 2,800 years, featuring more than 30 dynasties. The 18th dynasty, often known as the Thutmosid dynasty, is particularly notable, including the well-known Tutankhamun. Conversely, the 28th dynasty had the briefest reign, represented solely by Pharaoh Amyrtaeus.
Chapter 2: Ancient Civilizations of the East
As we explore other contenders, we find that China, Greece, and Iran also have rich historical tapestries. China’s first imperial dynasty emerged in 221 BCE after King Zheng of Qin unified the nation and proclaimed himself the First Emperor.
However, the Xia dynasty, which possibly governed from 2070 to 1600 BCE, remains a topic of scholarly debate, often labeled as "semi-legendary."
Greece, often dubbed the cradle of Western civilization, is characterized by its city-states or polis, rather than a unified nation as we understand it today.
Iran, formerly known as Persia, is another strong contender, with its roots tracing back to the 7th–8th century BCE.
Section 2.1: Armenia's Historic Significance
Surprisingly, many may not realize that Armenia is also among the world's oldest nations. The region was inhabited well before the Common Era, and the current Armenian state is the fifth in its lineage.
The first Armenian state emerged in the early 2nd century BCE, flourishing for 600 years. Under King Tigranes II (95–55 BCE), it expanded significantly across the Middle East. The second state arose at the turn of the first millennium CE, with Ani, known for its numerous churches, as its capital.
Armenia experienced a revival in Cilicia by the Mediterranean Sea (present-day Turkey) for 300 years. The Democratic Republic of Armenia (1918–1920) was established post-Tsarist Russia before becoming part of the Soviet Union. Armenia regained its independence in 1991 and proudly claims to be the world's first Christian nation, as King Tiridates III declared Christianity the state religion in 301 CE.
Chapter 3: San Marino - The Oldest Republic
San Marino often appears in discussions about the oldest nations due to its status as the oldest continuously existing republic, founded in 301 CE by Saint Marinus seeking refuge from persecution. The republic has endured various historical upheavals, including the ambitions of Napoleon and the tumult of both World Wars.
The Vatican was among the first to acknowledge San Marino's independence in 1291, with others following suit during the Congress of Vienna in 1815. Notably, San Marino is one of the smallest nations globally, surpassed only by a few others.
Chapter 4: A Different Perspective on Age
The notion of the oldest country can also be interpreted through the lens of the demographic structure, particularly the proportion of elderly residents. In this context, Japan takes the lead, with over 30% of its population aged 65 and older, followed by Italy and Finland.
According to projections from the United Nations Population Division, the global senior population is expected to double by 2050, reaching 1.6 billion.
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The first video titled "The Oldest Countries in the World" dives into the intricacies of the nations vying for the title of the oldest, exploring their histories and cultural significance.
The second video, "Here's why historians debate which country came first," addresses the ongoing discussions among scholars regarding the origins of these ancient nations.
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