Neolithic excavations have proved that Plovdiv was settled somewhere around the 4,000 BC mark. Originally a Thracian city, Plovdiv saw many civilizations ruling over it. The Bulgarian, Roman, Ottoman and Byzantine empires have left their marks all over the city. It is the significant economic, educational, and cultural center of Bulgaria and the second largest city in the country, since becoming Bulgaria’s part in 1885.
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Luoyang city in China was one of the seven Ancient Capitals of China and is known as the center of trade, culture and education in Ancient China. It has been inhibited for over 4,000 years and has seen many dynasties rule over it. It has been a center for Buddhism in China as the first Buddhist temple was built in Luoyang in 68 AD.
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Previously known as Benaras or Banaras, Varanasi is the oldest city in India and one of the holiest places for Hindus and Jains. It is also known as the City of Lights, for it being the education center of India in historic times. Legend says it was founded by Lord Shiva, but archaeologically, the city dates back to 2000 BCE and is recognized as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
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