Ancient embassies

What if there had been some kind of embassy-system in the ancient world ? (Imagine a Parthian embassy in Rome)
 

Anaxagoras

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There was a well-established diplomatic system. Usually not permanent embassies (though maybe in some cases - I'd have to check), but regular exchanges of envoys.
 
(though maybe in some cases - I'd have to check).

It existed, but was more or less informal : Diviciacos was the abassador of Aedui in Rome, but it was more for requesting Roman help and being in Rome as both proof of "alliance" and probably hostage.

As for a modern-looking embassy system, you'd need a complete re-conception of what was the ancient or medieval state, without basing itself on the mental and social reality.

Critically when sending envoys, representatives, in a court strongly implied a submission or at the very least an acknowledgement of inferiority : remember that embassy came from celtic ambactos, a client.

The lack of quick long-range communication is of course another obstacle. An ambassador you can contact in mere hours, if not less, can certainly represent his country/empire interests and intents.
One that can only have news from his own months away, have a really distinct role : hosting and guiding fellow countrymen, and being send back with directives.
 
I think what OP would like is proper consuls and embassy buildings, like a Parthian embassy building in Rome.

Does anyone know when the first embassy was built? I know there was a Consul General in Havana belonging to the Spanish early on (16th century) to advice the viceroys.
 
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