Iran: The surprising origins of the postal service

admin 2023年3月8日

Vocabulary:

I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.

postal /POHS-tl/

[adjective] – relating to mail or to the public service that collects and delivers the mail
I received a postal package from my friend who lives in another city, and it contained a birthday present for me.

trace /treys/

[verb] – to find someone or something that was lost
I tried to trace my steps back to the store where I bought my wallet, but I couldn’t remember the exact route I took.

empire /EM-pahyuhr/

[noun] – a group of countries ruled by a single person, government, or country
The ancient Roman Empire was one of the most powerful empires in history, and it lasted for hundreds of years.

innovation /in-uh-VEY-shuhn/

[noun] – (the use of) a new idea or method
The company’s latest product was an innovation in the industry, and it quickly became very popular among consumers.

imitate /IM-i-teyt/

[verb] – to behave in a similar way to someone or something else, or to copy the speech or behavior, etc. of someone or something
My little sister likes to imitate the way I dance, and she thinks it’s very funny.

Article reading:

Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.

You probably picture a mailman in a uniform delivering letters and packages to your door when you think of the postal service. However, the origins of this institution are much more ancient and surprising than you might think. In fact, the first postal service can be traced back to ancient Persia, modern-day Iran.

The Achaemenid Empire, which ruled Persia from 550 BC to 330 BC, was the first to institute a formal postal system. Known as the Chapar Khaneh, or “House of the Mounted,” the system used horseback riders to carry messages across the empire, which at its peak stretched from the Balkans to India. Along the way, these riders would stop at relay stations, where fresh horses and riders were waiting to continue the journey. The Chapar Khaneh was an essential part of the Achaemenid government, allowing it to communicate quickly and efficiently across its vast territory. Today, the system has been modernized, and Iran has one of the most extensive postal networks in the world. However, the Chapar Khaneh remains a testament to the ingenuity and innovation of the ancient Persians, who created a system that would be imitated and improved upon for centuries to come.

In conclusion, the history of the postal service is a fascinating one, and it all began in ancient Persia. As we continue to rely on technology to connect us with one another, it’s worth remembering that the postal service was the first step in a journey that has brought us to where we are today.

Discussion Questions:

I will read each question. Then, please answer them.

Have you ever used traditional mail services to send letters or packages? If so, what was your experience like? If not, would you like to try it?
Have you ever experienced the excitement of receiving a handwritten letter in the mail? If so, how did it make you feel? If not, how would you feel?
Do you agree that the history of the postal service is fascinating, as mentioned in the article?
What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional communication methods, such as the postal service today? Please elaborate on your answer.
What do you think can be learned from the history of the postal service, and how can it be applied in today’s world?

Summarization

Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.

Describe:

Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.

package
surprising
modernize
testament
journey