Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. Many people assume that the postal system was invented in Europe, but actually, the earliest known postal system dates back to ancient Egypt around 2000 BC, where pharaohs used messengers to deliver decrees. However, the most organized system was developed in Persia under King Cyrus the Great, around 550 BC. This system used a relay of horses and stations placed about 20 miles apart, allowing messages to travel quickly across the empire. Interestingly, the word 'post' comes from the Latin 'positus', meaning 'placed', referring to the stations. So, despite common belief, the concept of a postal network did not originate in Europe.
❓ According to the lecture, what was the main innovation of the Persian postal system?
A. A. Using messengers on foot for short distances
B. B. Establishing relay stations with horses for faster message delivery
C. C. Inventing the word 'post' from Latin
D. D. Creating a system in Egypt around 2000 BC
✅ 正确答案
B. Establishing relay stations with horses for faster message delivery