Letters have existed since man learnt how to write. Up until 1880, they were carried by travellers over land or by sea. Important letters were extrusted to special messengers.

In Ancient Egypt, messages were written on a papyrus rolled and fixed on a taut stick. At that time, the importance of communication was recognized. The message was protected.

During the Roman period, the development of a network of roads led to more rapid transport for men and objects and also, therefore, of letters. Along these extensive networks, stages were established, where fired horses were changed for fresh ones. It was not until much later that the moving of mail appeared in our part of the world, Until 1850, urgent messages were despatched on horseback. then the fastest means of transport. Other messages were entrusted to people on foot who were in the service of the towns, the rolled-up letters, made of parchment, were placed in bags stamped with the arms of the town and carried ont eh man's back. These deliverieds were not regular; they depended on the necessities and needs of both parties. Later, the growth of trade favoured fixed postal services, but the person who received the letter paid the postage.