Standard newspapers are slowly dying out. As we all know, in today’s world, only a few people still go to the store to buy traditional, old-school newspapers.
However, newspapers are one of the oldest ways humans have shared news. Long before digital alerts and social media, people relied on handwritten sheets, carved notices, and printed papers to learn what was happening around them.
These early newspapers weren’t always accessible to everyone, but they played a crucial role in spreading information (or: misinformation). Some focused on government announcements, while others shared trade news or even gossip.
And so, while the idea of a “newspaper” may seem somewhat modern, it actually has very ancient roots.
So, let’s take a closer look at the ten oldest newspapers in history and their interesting stories.
1. Acta Diurna (59 BCE)
The Acta Diurna was the earliest form of a public newspaper. Introduced by Julius Caesar during ancient Rome, it was a way to keep the public informed about important events.
Instead of being printed on paper, it was carved into stone or metal tablets and displayed in busy areas like the Roman Forum.
These daily notices covered a wide range of topics. They included government decisions, military victories, legal rulings, and even entertainment updates such as gladiator fights.
The Acta Diurna was aimed at the literate elite of Rome, but its public display meant even those who couldn’t read could hear its contents read aloud.
Interesting fact: The Acta Diurna sometimes included personal announcements, like births and marriages, making it the first form of “classified ads.”
2. Kaiyuan Za Bao (713 CE)
During China’s Tang Dynasty, the Kaiyuan Za Bao emerged as a handwritten government bulletin. It wasn’t printed or widely distributed. Instead, it was written on silk and shared with high-ranking officials and members of the court.
The Kaiyuan Za Bao focused on government news. It covered royal decrees, military campaigns, and reports from across the empire. This made it an essential tool for officials to stay informed. H
However, it was exclusive—ordinary citizens had no access to it.
Interesting fact: The use of silk for writing made the Kaiyuan Za Bao extremely expensive to produce. It was considered a luxury, available only to the elite.
3. The Venetian Gazettes (1500s)
Venice was a major trading hub during the Renaissance, and merchants needed reliable news to make business decisions. This demand gave rise to handwritten newspapers known as Avvisi.
These papers were sold in public spaces and covered topics like trade, politics, and war.
The content of Venetian gazettes was often sensational. Writers weren’t afraid to include ultra-exaggerated stories to keep readers entertained.
Despite their many flaws, these gazettes became essential for traders and diplomats who depended on them to stay informed.
Interesting fact: The name “gazette” comes from the Venetian coin gazeta, the price of buying a single news sheet.
4. Relation aller Fürnemmen und gedenckwürdigen Historien (1605)
This German publication, whose name translates to “Account of All Distinguished and Commemorable News,” is considered the first printed newspaper.
Johann Carolus, the publisher, decided to print the news instead of handwriting it, which made distribution faster and more affordable.
The newspaper covered major European events such as wars, political developments, and royal court news.
Its regular publication marked kind of a turning point in the way news was shared, setting a model for the modern press.
Interesting fact: Johann Carolus faced criticism from rivals who accused him of printing rumors. His response? “The truth needs no defense.”
5. The London Gazette (1665)
The London Gazette began as The Oxford Gazette during the Great Plague of London. When the plague hit the city, King Charles II and his court relocated to Oxford.
There, the paper was launched to publish official government updates and proclamations.
Once the plague ended, the paper moved back to London and became The London Gazette. It avoided controversial topics and focused mostly on trade news, military updates, and royal announcements.
Even today, it remains the official journal of record for the British government.
Interesting fact: The London Gazette stopped publishing temporarily during the Great Fire of London in 1666.
6. Gazzetta di Mantova (1664)
Published in Mantua, Italy, the Gazzetta di Mantova is the world’s oldest regular newspaper still in circulation. Its content initially included local news, political developments, and reports from other European countries.
Over the centuries, the paper adapted to changing times while keeping its original purpose of informing the public.
Despite wars and political shifts, it has somehow survived for such a long time.
Interesting fact: During World War II, the Gazzetta di Mantova operated secretly to avoid censorship by occupying forces.
7. La Gazette (1631)
La Gazette was France’s first newspaper, founded by Théophraste Renaudot with the support of Cardinal Richelieu.
It served as a tool for royal propaganda, focusing on foreign relations and court news that painted the monarchy in a positive light.
Its popularity grew as it became the go-to source for information among France’s elite.
Ordinary citizens, however, found it harder to access due to its price and limited circulation.
Interesting fact: Renaudot was accused of using La Gazette to spread fake news in favor of the monarchy, making it one of history’s first examples of “media bias.”
8. Avisa Relation oder Zeitung (1609)
This early German newspaper, published in Wolfenbüttel, was kind of a forerunner to the modern press.
Its sporadic publication depended on major events happening at the time. Readers eagerly awaited updates, making it a highly anticipated publication.
The paper’s contents ranged from political news to cultural happenings, and it played a role in connecting people to events outside their immediate communities.
Interesting fact: The word “Zeitung” in the title simply means “newspaper,” but at the time, it was a novel concept for most readers.
9. Einkommende Zeitungen (1650)
Germany also gave us one of the first daily newspapers with Einkommende Zeitungen. Published in Leipzig, it marked a shift in how frequently news was shared, aligning with people who wanted quicker updates.
The paper focused on local news and international developments, making it popular among merchants and travelers.
Its daily schedule was actually revolutionary at the time.
Interesting fact: Timotheus Ritzsch, the publisher, had to develop new printing techniques to meet the demands of daily publication.
10. The Courant (1702)
The Courant holds the title of Britain’s first daily newspaper. Samuel Buckley launched it with a focus on concise reporting. Foreign news took center stage since domestic news was heavily censored.
The paper’s short format and accessible price made it a hit among busy Londoners.
Interesting fact: The Courant’s style of brief and factual reporting inspired many of the earliest American newspapers, including those run by Benjamin Franklin.
