Prompt Cast
The Valencia Water Tribunal: The Oldest Continuous Democratic Body in the World
TLDR The Valencia Water Tribunal in Spain, dating back to around the year 960, is the oldest continuous democratic body in the world. It ensures fair distribution of water among farms in the region and operates solely on tradition, with cases being brought before the Tribunal in person and decided upon verbally in just five minutes.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
The Valencia Water Tribunal in Spain is the oldest surviving democratic tradition, having adjudicated water disputes among farmers for over 1,000 years.
01:07
The Icelandic Parliament, known as the Altingi, dates back to the year 930, but it hasn't been in continuous operation the entire time.
02:08
The Tribunal de las Aguas de la Valencia, or the Valencia and Water Tribunal, is the oldest continuous democratic body in the world, dating back to around the year 960.
03:10
The Tribunal de las Aguas de la Valencia ensures fair distribution of water among farms in the region, with representatives elected by farmers who have a direct stake in the land.
04:05
The Tribunal de las Aguas de la Valencia operates solely on tradition, with cases involving water-related issues being brought before the Tribunal in person, deliberated and decided upon verbally, with the decisions being final and unappealable, and only simple records of the proceedings being kept.
04:59
The Water Tribunal of Valencia has lasted for over 1,000 years because it only deals with water issues, making it less of a threat to ruling powers, and it is now recognized as part of Spain's constitution and UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage.
05:55
The proceedings of the Water Tribunal of Valencia last only about five minutes, but they are considered to be the most democratic five minutes of your life.
