Oldest existing parliament

The oldest recorded legislative body is the Icelandic Althing, founded in AD930. This body, which originally comprised 39 local chieftains at Thingvellir, was abolished in 1800 but restored by Denmark to a consultative status in 1843 and a legislative status in 1874. It is often cited as the oldest existing parliament. However, the legislative assembly with the oldest continuous history is the Isle of Man Tynwald, which may have its origins in the late ninth century and hence possibly pre-date the Althing.