The Persians
April 20
By : Nolan Heinrich , NJCL Communications Coordinator
Ancient Persia was a civilization of many firsts . The modern birthday celebration was started by the Persians . Originally , only the kings would celebrate their birthdays . Eventually , everyone in Persia celebrated their birthday by baking cakes , serving them with candles on top . Sound familiar ? The first hospital system was established in Gundeshapur . Here , anyone of any descent could work as a medical professional for the hospital . Later , under the rule of Kosrau I , the hospital became the first teaching hospital . Persia ’ s largest accomplishment was the creation of the first postal system under the rule of Darius I . Posts were set up across Persia so that the messengers ’ horses could rest and get ready to go to their next destination . Herodotus notes the dedication of the messengers in his work " Histories ," saying that they “ are stopped neither by snow nor rain nor heat nor darkness from accomplishing their appointed course with all speed .”
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