What is the oldest parliament in the world?
Quick answer
Iceland’s Althing, founded in AD 930, is usually called the world’s oldest parliament still in existence. However, it was suspended from 1800 to 1844, so the Isle of Man’s Tynwald, dating to around 979, claims to be the oldest continuously operating parliament.
The two contenders
| Althing (Iceland) | Tynwald (Isle of Man) | |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 930 | Traditionally 979 |
| Original meeting place | Þingvellir, an open-air valley | Tynwald Hill, St John’s |
| Gap in history | Abolished 1800, restored 1844 | Considered continuous |
| Claim | Oldest parliament | Oldest continuous parliament |
The Althing
Norse settlers created the Althing as an open-air assembly at Þingvellir, where chieftains met each summer to make laws and settle disputes. A “lawspeaker” recited the laws from a rock called the Lögberg. The site, which sits on the rift between the North American and Eurasian tectonic plates, is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site and national park. Today’s Althing meets in Reykjavík.
Tynwald
Tynwald also has Norse (Viking) roots. Every year on Tynwald Day (July 5), members still gather outdoors at Tynwald Hill, where new laws are read aloud in English and Manx. The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown Dependency, not part of the UK.
Other ancient parliaments
- England’s Parliament grew from the 13th century; Simon de Montfort’s parliament of 1265 included elected representatives.
- The Faroe Islands’ Løgting also dates to the Viking era.
- The Cortes of León in Spain (1188) is recognized by UNESCO as an early example of a European parliamentary system.
What does “parliament” mean?
It comes from the Old French parler, “to speak.” The Icelandic Alþingi means “general assembly.”
For other “firsts” in governing, see who wrote the Declaration of Independence. Want to contact a parliament member today? In the UK, here’s how to find your MP.
Still curious?
Jump to a random question from the archive.