The answer is: Cain

Gen 4:17

When we think about the first city ever built, the name that pops up is none other than Cain, the son of Adam and Eve. In Genesis 4:17, we see him taking this significant step after his exile for committing fratricide. Creating a city was no small feat in those early biblical times; it represented community, culture, and the formation of society itself. Cain named the city after his son Enoch—pulling these threads of family and ambition together.

What's fascinating is that the act of building a city by Cain also marks a dramatic pivot in human society. Up to this point, life revolved around pastoral and hunter-gatherer lifestyles. Cain's decision signifies a transformation—one where humans begin to embrace agriculture, crafting, and social structures, paving the way for entire civilizations in the future.

On a fun note, ancient cities had significant layouts; think about the strong outer walls for protection, unique streets, and places of worship—concepts that resonate even with modern city designs today.

Interestingly, other biblical figures followed suit. Nimrod, for example, come along later, also famous for founding cities like Babel, putting into play this ongoing theme in the text of community building following pivotal and transformative events. Amid mistakes, divisions, and, of course, humanity's fallibility, the narrative echoes a clear lesson: we always seek connection and congregation, no matter our starting point.