cursus publicus

Cursus publicus was the official postal and transportation system of the Roman Empire. Established by Emperor Augustus, it facilitated efficient communication and the movement of officials, messages, and goods across vast distances. The system used a network of relay stations (mutationes) where horses were changed, allowing for quicker travel. It played a crucial role in maintaining the empire’s administration and control, helping to transmit information swiftly between distant provinces. Cursus publicus exemplified the Romans' organizational skills and contributed to the cohesion of their expansive territory.