The postal relay system was established by Khan Genghis in the Mongol Empire as a special messenger system consisting of a chain of strategically placed supply points and relay stations to convey messages in a fast and efficient manner. The operations were facilitated by a great number of dedicated relay point operators and messengers guided by a written law. The postal relay system was one of the key pillars in the success of the Mongolian empire. It developed rapidly especially under the reign of the Great Khan, Khubilai Khan of the Yan Dynasty from 1261-1368 and was also used extensively by all the subsequent Khans of the Mongol empire. (U.S Library of Congress, n.d.)
The relay system was initially established for military purposes. The stations were placed at vantage points to aid in reliably supplying the army with horses, shelter, weapons and food. They were later used to gather and relay military intelligence to the army during their conquests. It also provided critical trade services to merchants and was also used by envoys to relay important information to the empire.
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The system was the most efficient method of communication spanning over five centuries. It helped ease the administrative duties over the vast empire by providing a single channel for delivering vital information to and from administrators including the Khans. It was also used by foreign envoys to relay important information.
The system enables the Mongol army to deploy spies and gather intelligence from rival lands. This played a critical role in planning for successful attacks in the conquest of this lands, further expanding and strengthening the empire politically and economically. (Richards, 2002)
Merchants used the system to ease communication and movement of their goods, some merchants also spied on foreign lands and brought back critical intelligence that gave the Khans critical foresight.
References
(n.d.). Retrieved from U.S Library of Congress: http://countrystudies.us/mongolia/18.htm
Richards, J. (2002, April). Retrieved from https://depts.washington.edu/silkroad/texts/rubruck.html#customs
