History
The role of ancient postal systems in empire communication
Did you know that ancient postal systems were crucial in maintaining the vast empires of the past?
The Persian Empire, for instance, developed one of the earliest known postal systems around 550 BCE under King Cyrus the Great. This system, called the “Angarium,” was an impressive network of relay stations strategically placed along major roads.
Each station was manned by fresh couriers who ensured that messages could be swiftly relayed throughout the empire, covering up to 1,500 miles in just a week.
This efficient communication network not only facilitated administrative governance but also ensured quicker military responses to threats, helping to sustain the empire’s vast expanse.
The concept was so effective that it inspired later postal systems, including the Roman “cursus publicus,” underscoring its significant role in shaping organized communication in powerful empires.
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