Sending parcels and messages across the world; the rise of the courier

Communications and trade over long distances have always been important aspects of human civilization. The ability to trade information as well as rare and valuable items created a culture in which new ideas spread and flourished. We probably take international travel and commerce a little for granted at the moment as both are so common place. This was not always the case, however.

Arguably the most famous example of a courier in action in the ancient world is that of a runner for the Greek forces at the Battle of Marathon in 490BC. Although the popular story of how Pheidippides ran from Marathon to Athens to deliver news of a Greek victory against the Persians is itself incorrect (mixing two separate stories together) the simple fact that the tale itself remains resonant says a lot about how communications across great distances have always been important.

We can pick out similar examples across history that demonstrate this point and show how, as technology has developed, our approaches have improved. The building of paved roads for instance, enabled the expanding Roman Empire to move goods, men and messages across vast distances quickly and efficiently. Improvements in ship design and navigation had a similar impact on the oceans of the medieval world. Fast-forward a few centuries and you arrive at a world linked by couriers on horseback, such as the Pony Express and carrier pigeons.

The Industrial Revolution, of course changed everything. Within a few short decades first steam and then petrol powered vehicles brought faster transport between communities while telegraphy began to lay the foundations for instant communications across the globe. Today, our options for sending parcels and documents to any part of the globe are more varied and more accessible than ever before; all of it driven by our need to communicate and trade.

Disclaimer: This this post was written in collaboration with Parcel Hero. Thank you so very much for supporting our wonderful sponsors. Mwah, Ty!