An article written by a professor of the Smithsonian Institute a couple of years ago confirms that The University of Oxford predates several things that we believe to be ancient. This idea that you can still study at a university that’s older than some “ancient nations” and would most likely outlast a few more given the current political climate of the world, is truly mind-blowing. When we think about “ancient things”, Ancient Egypt, The Great Wall of China and Aztec pyramids, amongst other things, come to mind – but certainly not a university in England. Nevertheless, Oxford is one of the oldest universities in the world and predates quite a few things. Keep reading to find out about five things that are younger than the institution.

The focus of the study conducted by the Smithsonian was the fact that Oxford University is older than the Aztec empire. By almost 300 years in fact – Oxford’s first ever courses were taught as early as 1096, and by 1249, the University was officially founded, whereas the Aztec empire originated circa 13^th century BC. And Oxford is still standing, and is still one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in the world.