The historical origins of the institution of ambassadorship: The case of Ancient Greece and Rome

This study examines how the institution of ambassadors and diplomatic principles in Ancient Greece and Rome affect today's understanding of diplomacy. In ancient times, diplomatic relations emerged to meet multifaceted needs such as stopping wars between states, ensuring peace, and regulating social developments. Both Ancient Greece and Rome made great contributions to diplomacy, laid the foundations of the institution of ambassadors, and made these institutions an important tool of international relations. The security and immunities of the institution of ambassadors had an important place in Ancient Greece and Rome. This privilege granted to ambassadors enabled them to fulfill their duties independently and securely, and at the same time became one of the basic principles in diplomatic relations. The security of ambassadors in interstate relations has been carried to the present day as one of the basic principles of the modern understanding of diplomacy. It is seen that the institution of ambassadors and diplomatic principles shaped in Ancient Greece and Rome played a decisive role in the formation of the modern understanding of diplomacy. The fact that concepts such as the security and immunity of ambassadors have evolved over time and become fundamental principles in today's diplomatic practices reveals the continuity and impact of these institutions. As a result, the diplomatic principles of Ancient Greece and Rome and the institution of the embassy have formed the fundamental building blocks of today's understanding of diplomacy. Elements such as the duties of ambassadors, representation and security are still valid in modern diplomatic practices. The diplomatic experiences of the ancient period provided a basis for the approach to diplomacy, enabling the evolution of strategic, peaceful and secure methods in international relations.