雅思听力

🎧 Listening Transcript

Today we're going to discuss the history of the postal service. Many people think it began with the Penny Post in the 19th century, but actually, organized mail delivery dates back to ancient Persia, around 550 BC. The Persian system used mounted couriers who could travel long distances quickly. Later, the Romans improved on this by establishing relay stations where fresh horses were kept. However, it was the British who introduced the first adhesive postage stamp in 1840, which revolutionized the system by making postage affordable for ordinary people. Interestingly, the stamp was called the Penny Black, and it featured a profile of Queen Victoria.