Category: History > Postalism
In the 5th century BCE, the Persian Empire, under the rule of Darius the Great, established one of the world's first postal systems, known as the "Angarium." This sophisticated network was designed to facilitate communication across the vast territories of the empire, which stretched from the Indus Valley to the Aegean Sea. The Angarium utilized a series of mounted couriers who would travel designated routes, changing horses at regular intervals to ensure swift delivery of messages. Interestingly, these couriers were so respected that they were granted protections under the law; anyone who harmed them faced severe penalties. This innovative system not only enhanced administrative efficiency but also played a crucial role in the rapid dissemination of news, orders, and decrees, establishing a precedent for future postal services around the world.