When Learning Outlasts Empires
Sometimes, institutions endure longer than entire civilizations.
The University of Oxford has been a place of teaching since about 1096.
Meanwhile, the Aztec Empire really took shape when its capital, Tenochtitlán, was founded in 1325—over two centuries later.
So yes, Oxford predates the founding of the Aztec Empire by more than 200 years. It’s a reminder that some of our oldest traditions remained quietly strong while distant empires were just coming into being.

Have you ever been surprised by something old surviving longer than you expected—an old building, family tradition, or institution? Post it in the forum—others will love hearing it too.