Good morning, everyone. Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. While many people assume that postal systems originated in Europe, in fact, the earliest known postal system was established in China during the Qin Dynasty, around 221 BC. Initially, it was used only for government communications. Later, in the 13th century, the Mongol Empire expanded this network, creating relay stations across Asia. However, it wasn't until the 19th century that the first adhesive postage stamp, the Penny Black, was issued in Britain in 1840. This revolutionized mail delivery by making it affordable for ordinary citizens.