Connectivity and Communication in the Achaemenid Empire

Abstract

Tlie vast territorial extent of the Achaemenid Empire is often assumed to have impeded connectivity and communication within the empire. This paper challenges the validity of this assumption. Two factors in particular favor this conclusion-the presence of an extensive road network and the high communication speed in the empire, made possible by the pirradazish service. Together, they demonstrate the enormous potential for movement and interaction throughout the empire.

Orientalism, Postcolonialism, and the Achaemenid Empire: Meditations on Bruce Lincoln's Religion, Empire, and Torture

“…For example, in a forthcoming study I develop an estimate for communication speed in the Achaemenid Empire based on comparative data from the American Pony Express. 75 This estimate suggests that under ideal conditions communication was notably faster in the Achaemenid Empire than in the Roman. Communication speed can be used as a proxy for interconnectivity, and as such is an important precursor for understanding the potential impact of Achaemenid rule on local populations.…”

Circum Mare: Themes in Ancient Warfare

“…13 Imperial communications: Lewis (1977) 56-57;Briant (2002) 364-378;and Briant (2012). On fire signals see Russell (1999), 145-149, andColburn (2013). 14 Revolts of Ephesus and Miletus: Hornblower (2008) 799-800, 805.…”

Revolutionizing a World

“…This indicates an impressive speed of nearly 386 km a day. Colburn (2013) revised Herodotus' affirmation and calculated that the Angarium would probably take around 12 days to cover such a distance based on the parallel with the more modern Pony Express service. This gives 225 km a day, a value which, while not as high as Herodotus' figure, clearly indicates a swift connection between the cities.…”