When was the first spy agency established?

Question: When was the first spy agency established!?

I'm writing a poem analysis of the poem "On Spies" and need to know if there are any spy agencies that date back to the 17th century!. Any additional info is much appreciated!. Thanks!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

Even earlier but not as a official government agency!. More like intelligence gathering at the order of the King or Queen!.!.!.!.!.

Here's a clip from Wiki under Espionage

"Incidents of espionage are well documented throughout history!. The ancient writings of Chinese and Indian military strategists such as Sun-Tzu and Chanakya contain information on deception and subversion!. Chanakya's student Chandragupta Maurya, founder of the Maurya Empire, made use of assassinations, spies and secret agents, which are described in Chanakya's Arthasastra!. The ancient Egyptians had a thoroughly developed system for the acquisition of intelligence, and the Hebrews used spies as well, as in the story of Rahab!. Feudal Japan often used ninja to gather intelligence!. More recently, spies played a significant part in Elizabethan England (see Francis Walsingham)!. Many modern espionage methods were well established even then!."

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