Historical Capitals of the World

Explore 1,509 Historical Capitals of the World

Discover the fascinating stories of former capital cities from ancient civilizations to modern nations. Our comprehensive database contains detailed information about historical capitals across all continents and time periods.

Featured Historical Capitals

Coro

Country: Venezuela

Period: 1777-present

Coro, founded in 1527 on Venezuela's Caribbean coast, is one of the oldest colonial cities in South America. It served as a key Spanish settlement, blending Andalusian and mudéjar architecture with lo...

Istanbul

Country: Turkey

Period: 330-1923

Constantinople, now Istanbul, was the capital of the Byzantine Empire and one of the most important cities in world history. Founded by Emperor Constantine I in 330 AD, it became a major center of tra...

Xi'an

Country: China

Period: ~1046BCE, 618-907CE

Chang’an, near modern-day Xi’an, was one of ancient China’s greatest capitals, serving as the political and cultural heart during the Zhou (as a regional center), Han, Sui, and Tang dynasties. Known f...

Mexico City

Country: Mexico

Period: 1325-present

Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Aztec Empire, was founded in 1325 on an island in Lake Texcoco (modern-day Mexico City). Ingeniously built with canals, causeways, and temples, it was a sprawling, vib...

Omsk

Country: Russia

Period: 1918-1920

Omsk, located in southwestern Siberia, became the administrative center of the anti-Bolshevik White Movement during the Russian Civil War (1918–1920). It briefly served as the capital of the Russian S...

Donwun

Country: Myanmar

Period: 14th c.

Donwun, located in present-day Mon State, Myanmar, was an early capital of the Hanthawaddy Kingdom. Nestled near the Bilin River, it served as a strategic and cultural center for the Mon people, thriv...

Chambéry

Country: France

Period: 1295-1563

Chambéry, located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of eastern France, is a charming town nestled in the Alpine foothills. Known for its historical architecture and surrounding natural beauty, it off...

Gjirokastër

Country: Albania

Period: 1417, 1914

Gjirokastër, located in southern Albania, served as the capital of the Zenebishi family’s domain in the late 14th and early 15th centuries. Set on a steep hillside above the Drino valley, the city was...

Surakarta

Country: Indonesia

Period: 1680-1755CE

Surakarta is a cultural and historical city in Central Java, Indonesia. It was the capital of the Surakarta Sunanate from 1680 to 1755 and is known for its strong Javanese heritage. The city is famous...

Kyoto

Country: Japan

Period: 794-1868

Heian-kyō, established in 794 CE, was the imperial capital of Japan for over a thousand years. Located in present-day Kyoto, it was designed following Chinese city planning principles, with a grid lay...

Santiago de Compostela

Country: Spain

Period: 9th-11thCE

Santiago de Compostela, in northwestern Spain, rose to prominence as the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Galicia. Revered as the burial site of Saint James the Great, it became a major Christian pi...

Aachen

Country: Germany

Period: 794-late 9thCE

Aachen, in western Germany, is famous for its hot springs, medieval charm, and role as Charlemagne’s capital. It blends Roman, Carolingian, and Gothic influences, with landmarks like Aachen Cathedral ...

Aarau

Country: Switzerland

Period: 1798

Aarau, the capital of Aargau Canton, is a picturesque Swiss town along the Aare River, known for its medieval Old Town, colorful painted gables (Dachhimmel), and cultural vibrancy. Founded in the 13th...

Abergwyngregyn

Country: Wales (UK)

Period: 13th c.CE

Abergwyngregyn, a small village in North Wales, lies at the foot of the Carneddau mountains and is known for its stunning natural beauty. Historically, it was a royal residence in the Kingdom of Gwyne...

Abernethy

Country: Scotland (UK)

Period: 6th-9th c.CE

Abernethy, a historic village in Perth and Kinross, Scotland, is known for its rich heritage and scenic beauty. Once a key religious center, it features the ancient Abernethy Round Tower, a symbol of ...

Abidjan

Country: Ivory Coast

Period: 1933-1983

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire’s economic capital, lies along the Ébrié Lagoon on the Atlantic coast. A vibrant metropolis, it's known for its towering skyline, bustling markets, and rich cultural scene. Ofte...

Kef Lakhdar

Country: Algeria

Period: 936-1014

Achir, under the Zirid dynasty, was a fortified city located in the mountainous region of Algeria. Founded in the 10th century, it served as a key political and military center for the Zirids, showcas...

Acre (Akko)

Country: Israel

Period: 1191-1291

Acre was a prominent coastal city in the Kingdom of Jerusalem, serving as a key Crusader stronghold from 1104 until its fall in 1291. The city, strategically located along trade routes, became a major...

Aden

Country: Yemen

Period: 1967-1990

Aden is a historic port city located in the southern part of Yemen, overlooking the Arabian Sea. Once a key maritime hub, it has served as a strategic trading center for centuries due to its natural h...

Dumat al-Jandal

Country: Saudi Arabia

Period: ~5th-7th c.CE

Adumattu was a tribal confederation located in the northern Arabian Peninsula, particularly in areas bordering modern-day Jordan and southern Syria. It was closely associated with the Qedarite Kingdom...