雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. You might be surprised to learn that the first organized postal system was not in Europe, but in ancient Persia, around 550 BC. However, it was the Romans who developed a more efficient relay system, using horses and stations along major roads. Interestingly, the modern postage stamp was introduced in Britain in 1840, and it featured a portrait of Queen Victoria. This was a revolutionary idea because previously, the recipient paid for the mail, which often led to refusal. The new system, with prepaid stamps, made delivery more reliable and affordable for ordinary people.