A short history of written communication When people talk about the most important developments of civilisation, they usually mention writing.During the reign of Augustus Caesar (27 BCE-14 CE), the Romans organised Europe's first postal service, but after the Roman Empire collapsed, the service stopped.The first government postal service began in China about 3,000 years ago, but people still needed something suitable to write on.

15 Then, 2,500 years ago, the Egyptians discovered a light, portable writing material: papyrus.Soon afterwards, messengers on foot or horseback carried messages in Egypt and China.If you are a good hunter, you will draw the animals you've hunted to show people.Such drawings are among the earliest examples of 'writing'.Imagine living on Earth 30,000 years ago.They want to send letters.