Ancient recipients of instant news probably couldn't do very much about it, for instance. Xerxes would still need three months to get his army together, and he might not get home for years.

Summary

This quote highlights the limitations that ancient civilizations faced when receiving instant news. The example of Xerxes, a historical figure, demonstrates that even with prompt updates, it still took months to assemble armies or make significant decisions. Furthermore, it could take years for leaders to return home due to various factors. Therefore, the quote suggests that the efficiency of communication in ancient times did not necessarily translate into immediate action or response.

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