Based on Islamic tradition as cited in the provided Wikipedia reference, the city of Mecca was established around the 18th century BCE.
This traditional dating places the origins of Mecca approximately 3800 years ago, calculating from the 18th century BCE (which spans from 1800 BCE to 1701 BCE) to the present year (2024).
Historical Context According to Tradition
According to the information available in the Mecca Wikipedia page reference, key foundational elements include:
- Established: c. 18th century BCE (per Islamic tradition)
- Founded by: Ibrāhīm (Abraham) and Ismāʿīl (Ishmael)
- Traditional Claim: They are traditionally claimed to have built The Kaaba, the sacred structure at the heart of Mecca.
This perspective aligns with Islamic historical narratives regarding the origins of the city and its central religious site.
Understanding "18th Century BCE"
The term "18th century BCE" refers to the period between the years 1800 Before Common Era (BCE) and 1701 BCE. Calculating the age from this period to the current year involves adding the centuries and years. For example, taking the start of the century (1800 BCE):
2024 (Current Year) + 1800 (BCE Date) = 3824 years
Therefore, according to this traditional dating, Mecca is approximately 3800 years old.
It's important to note that while this date is widely accepted within Islamic tradition, archaeological evidence for settlement in Mecca dating back this far is limited, and scholarly views on its earliest precise origins vary. However, the provided reference specifically cites the traditional establishment date.
