During the excavation of the green in Aberdeen, (one of the oldest parts of the city and of significant architectural and historical importance) evidence of flint working was found dating back at least 8000 years.

Prior to 1889 Scotland had no cities by either letters patent or royal charter, the nearest equivalent to this was the royal burgh status. Aberdeen was awarded its royal burgh status from King David I.

The term city did not apear to have come into existence before the 15th century, and unlike England the presence of a cathedral was not linked to the title of a city.

Aberdeen along with Edinburgh and Glasgow were accepted as cities by the 18th century.