Official communications, along with general news, were also carried by ships that sailed the Mediterranean Sea, putting in at various ports. The Roman government used ships on some occasions (usually in summer) to carry official messages, but it seems that the bulk of such communication was transmitted on the overland routes. These were more dependable.

An official postal service was developed by the Romans, but it was used only for governmental communications.

Couriers in the service of Persian King Ahasuerus rode speedy post-horses and in that way circulated the royal counterdecree that foiled Haman’s scheme to annihilate the Jews in the Persian Empire. (Es 8:10-17) Written letters and documents were used by most governments of antiquity for effective administration. Depending upon time and place, these were usually written on such materials as clay tablets, papyrus, and animal skins. Archaeologists have found many ancient governmental communications or business documents. Royal decrees were proclaimed by heralds. (Da 3:4-6)