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Basic Auto & Truck Repair Automotive Tools

January 28th, 2012

If you want to be a good weekend auto buff it is often said that a tradesman – or this case the budding automobile mechanic is only as good as their tools. You cannot do much work on your car, truck or Sports Utility SUV vehicle without proper tools. On top of that having on hand the “proper” tool rather than a make do all size fits anything variety makes jobs a breeze that would be both hard to finish to beginning or auto repair project to end.

In the vast majority of cases the average homeowner and this case auto owner already has a good basic set of tools that includes screwdrivers , hammers , perhaps some wrenches. Toss in a plug in ac or rechargeable screw driver along with perhaps a rechargeable screw driver and you are off to the races.

However many of the tools of the trade of auto and truck repair and repairs that are useful and indeed essential are specialized tools in themselves that are basically required to make car care safe and economical. In most cases these tools will pay for themselves handily after only one or two uses. In other cases you may be lucky enough to borrow them from friends and family. In other cases some big box auto repair outlets will rent or loan you the tools with a deposit and perhaps a rental fee. There are always lots of options available.

Overall the recommendation from professional auto mechanics is not to take what you might think is the easy road and purchase tools whose predominant role is to speed up a professional mechanics work. If you do not how to complete a task safely and thoroughly the old slower way why speed it up. Its only mud thrown against the wall resulting in a bottleneck quicker so to speak. For many a weekend and amateur mechanic or car maintenance buff it’s a hobby of labor and love. The do it yourselfer can afford to work at a more leisurely pace and thus need not acquire tools whose main role is to speed up the process of completing a job rather than mainly getting the job done. You are not Mr. Goodwrench.

It’s a new world out there with both metric and the older standard US imperial measure sets of precision tools such as wrenches and gauges easily available on the automotive market whether at your local auto supply store or big box outlets. Other tools such as ratchet extensions, punches and drill chucks whose exact size and sizes are not critical or crucial to their function are usually sold in the “real” tool measurement standard for many old timers that is good old fashioned inches, feet yards or what ever your heart desires.

Lastly never take the short cut route out when it comes to auto tools. Buy quality.

Quality pays in the long run it does not cost. Secondly check if your car or truck requires metric, imperial or both or both types and varieties of tools. Never ever use imperial tools on metric components or vice versa. Have fun on your project cars in your garage.

Adam I. Watkins Eagle Ridge GM Chevrolet BC Lower Mainland Coquitlam Port Moody Lower Mainland Auto Sales & Service Vancouver British Columbia Auto Dealer GM Mr. Goodwrench Service British Columbia Auto Financing Online

An American Sports Car Icon the Ferrari 330 2 + 2 America

January 28th, 2012

Few automobiles, even exotic luxury sport cars conjure up the image, the prestige and vision that the Ferrari 330 2 + 2 or what often has been referred to by aficionados as an American sports car icon. Yet in the minds of Ferrari serious devotees the vehicle was seen as an design let down for the Ferrari brand being little more than an over styled standard family car.

Between the years of 1964 and 1967 fully over a thousand, the exact count being 1,080 Ferrari 330 2+ 2′s were built. Especially for Ferrari this was a high vehicle output and production count. Yet even before the model 400 was dead and the birth of the 500 Superfast took place, the 330 America began production.

It might be said or summarized that all in all this model might really of initially of being offered to American Ferrari enthusiasts and owners as a stop gap model of sorts that grew whose popularity grew out of hand and scope. The 330 America was in essence a 250 GTE 2 + 2 with a new engine design based on the 400 Superamerica. Improvements to this engine included lengthening between the cylinder bore centers for better water circulation. Horsepower was rated at 300 Barrel Horse Power BHP at 6,600 rpm. Some, who might be considered more knowledgeable about the model and Ferraris overall, would add a further 40 horsepower to the count.

Once again, the engine was based on Colombo’s design, but who did what to make it more efficient is open to question, intrigue and conjecture. After Colombo and Lampredi had gone Ferrari was loath to identify engineers even though he had no shortage of great men at his elbows. Vittorio Jano, one time Alfa Romeo racing engineer designer for one, Franco Roccri for another. And then there was gifted Luigi Bazzi, a technician for whom little seemed impossible. Hence what ever was done was accomplished by these and others who one day in the future will achieve the recognition that they so justly deserve.

Fifty of the 330 Americas , nee 250 GTE’s were built before the “proper” 330 GT 2 + 2 was introduced formally at the January 1064 Ferrari press conference. Many of the invited guests were surprised: after all had the great Enzo relinquished his dynamism? For what they saw on stage was a two-door family coupe with four headlamps and even lackluster styling by Pinifarina. Of course everything in the auto world is relative – that is lackluster by the very standards of Ferrari enthusiasts.

Apart from the traditional Borrani wire wheels (later to be replaced by cast alloy wheels as standard issue) and the Prancing Horse, the 330 could well of been the result (at least in their minds) could well of been the result of some or even many other automobile manufacturer’s dream.

Yet all in all, and at final count and popularity between 1964 and 1967 fully 1,080 330 2 + 2′s were built. This is a high sales number for Ferrari. The car may have not been a hit or a home run in the minds of devoted Ferrari serious devotees, yet in the mind of the offshore American export market it reached great levels of love, acceptance and road approval.

Adam I Watkins Vancouver Auto Dealers BC Lottery Winners Easy Financing Low Terms in the BC Lower Mainland -

A Guide to Personalizing Your 2010 Chrysler 300 With Trendy Aftermarket Accessories

January 28th, 2012

For car owners everywhere, their vehicles are more than just a mode of transportation, they’re a personal statement and a reflection of their own personal style. Because of this, many car enthusiasts go the extra mile and outfit their cars with all kinds of accessories, including new wheel sets and interior finishes. If you are looking to create the car of your dreams, this guide to personalizing your 2010 Chrysler 300 with trendy aftermarket accessories is here to help.

The Chrysler 300 is a luxury vehicle with a very distinct look. Everything from its uniquely designed grille to its chrome accents help set it apart from other vehicles on the road. Some of the current factory customizations that are available for the Chrysler 300 include a power sunroof, advanced media center, and leather trimmed seats.

For dedicated car enthusiasts, factory customizations may not be enough. Fortunately, good auto outfitters as well as auto DIY experts can add any number of interior and exterior customizations to their vehicles. With a little elbow grease, it’s even possible to add vertically opening doors.

To make a serious fashion statement with your car, try adding a set of custom port holes or fender vents. This accessory can be added to a car even by those with novice experience. Most port holes feature automotive grade tape that has been designed to stick to the exterior and stay put. Just make sure you use a ruler or a level to keep your port holes lined up.

If you want to give your vehicle a touch of class and decrease noise from wind at the same time, consider installing a set of chrome window visors. These visors also provide increased climate control by helping your car retain fresh air and expelling humid or stale air.

For head-turning eye appeal, consider the wide range of easy-to-install chrome accessories that are on the market. You can get anything from license plate bezels to gas caps, custom grilles, mirror covers, chrome door handle covers, stainless steel side accent trims, custom wheels, chrome fender trims, chrome mustache, chrome rocker vents, fender vents, and pillar posts. Besides, most of these items can be installed yourself without the need for extra tools. Some auto outfitters even give you the option to add patterns and additional accents to the chrome.

If you are chrome challenged or simply think chrome trims will visually blind you, there are other trendy aftermarket automotive accessories that will help your vehicle make a triumphant entrance everywhere you go. Lamborghini style vertical door kits, suicide door kits or even a body styling kit will really set your Chrysler 300 apart. Besides chrome trims and body styling accessories, there are trendy lighting accessories that will titillate or exhilarate your senses; LED tail lights, LED interior lights, LED light upgrade, projector headlights or even the hot new trend and the Audi inspired light strip for the headlight or fog lights. All these styling trends will score you points at a car show, and will also add to your street credentials.

Personalizing your 2010 Chrysler 300 with trendy aftermarket accessories is a great way to express your style and personality, while turning heads everywhere you go. Be sure to look into the wide range of items that have been custom-made just for your car, including chrome accents, custom grille emblems, pedal kits, modified custom grilles, chrome bumper trims, and much more.

Jojo Brando writes about Personalizing Your 2010 Chrysler 300 With Trendy aftermarket accessories at http://www.300fx.com

Get a Face-Lift For Your 2010 Chevy Impala With High Quality Aftermarket Accessories

January 28th, 2012

You can use your car to get from point A to point B, or you can use it to make a statement by personalizing it to perfection. Fortunately, it is now possible to make a huge style statement with your vehicle without having to pay for high costs or send your car to an auto body shop or auto customizer for extended periods of time. If you want to learn how to get a face-lift for your 2010 Chevy Impala with high quality aftermarket accessories that you can install yourself, this guide has the answers that you’ve been looking for.

The Chevy Impala is a mid-priced large sedan that appeals to a wide range of people. It features a traditional, yet modern, exterior design and can be bought with a number of factory customizations or options, including carpeted floor mats and protective body side moldings. Leather seats, a sunroof, and a rear spoiler can also be installed upon request.

Due to the Impala’s traditional design, it can be customized with ease without looking overdone or overworked. Adding a set of custom wheels, for example, will add a serious dose of personality to the vehicle without creating an over-the-top look. Custom wheels are available in a wide range of colors, including chrome, black, and gold, to name a few. It’s even possible to find patterned wheels with hypnotic and edgy designs, or better yet, have it painted to match the exterior of your vehicle.

A number of port holes or fender vents can be added to your car via easy-install, highly durable adhesive tape. Port holes are available in a variety of shapes and designs, including rectangular, oval, and lighted side vent options. With proper installation, port holes should stay put for a number of years, even in the toughest weather conditions. On the other hand, if you decide on fender vents, there are several styles to choose from; Cadillac Escalade Style, Mercedes SLS Style and more

If you love flashy, high-end jewelry, you may want to take a look at the wide variety of emblems that are on the market. Many emblems feature genuine Swarovski crystals, and you can customize your final look by choosing individual letters and numbers or from a range of patterns, including national flags, wheel emblems, auto names and more

One of the most prominent features of any vehicle, whether it’s day or night, is the headlights. Headlight kits, as in projector headlight can be used to change the overall color scheme of the headlights themselves or to add a series of LED strip lights. HID kits or LED bulbs are especially bright and come in a range of colors, including blue, bright white or purple.

Providing a face-lift for your 2010 Chevy Impala with high quality aftermarket accessories is a great way to make your car stand out on the road. Be sure to take a look at the wide variety of chrome accents, custom wheel sets, and LED lighting options that can be added to your car

Jojo Brando writes for Showtrix about Chevy Impala aftermarket accessories at http://www.showtrix.com

Beefing up Your Mini Cooper With Floor Mats

January 28th, 2012

The introduction of the every so stylish and economical Mini Cooper has given BMW another great vehicle to their line. You may know this vehicle from its first appearance in the comedy “Mr. Bean”. For those of us who are not old enough to know about Mr. Bean, the car was also featured in the movie “The Italian Job.” This movie did the car well by showing off the cars potential speed levels and handling levels as well.

You may have seen and heard a lot about how the car looks on the outside and are not so sure about the inside. Well, let me assure you that you will indeed love what you see. On the dash board, the speedometer is mounted in the center. You will also find the controls for the air conditioning and stereo components are not in their usual positions as with other cars. If you are concerned about the amount of physical space available to fit persons inside the min cooper you will find out once you sit in it that there is no discomfort from being in a tiny space. The seats are sewn and there are lighted armrests that can be found in the doors of the car. No matter how long a drive you will have to do in this car, you will remain comfortable.

If you agree that a person should notice the comfort of your vehicle once they climb in, you will also agree that the mats make a huge difference. A great mat that enhances the look and feel of your Mini will be able to be cleaned easily, will stay in place and will obviously be aesthetically pleasing not just to the owner but also to the regular passengers.

When it comes to floor mats for the mini cooper, you won’t have to necessarily worry about them slipping out of place. This is because these mats are not generic; they are made specifically for the mini cooper and as such fit precisely. These mats are made environmentally friendly (a great plus for many people nowadays) and are made with slip resistance. The patterns that create the resistance also allow your feet to be laid perfectly on the mat, alleviating discomfort. The mats are made to align with the floor of the car so well that at first glance they don’t even look like separate mats.

With all of that said, what are you waiting for? Go get the perfect floor mat for your mini cooper, the one that was made specifically for it.

Floor mats are a fantastic way to add a bit of value to the interior of your car without spending too much money, and they are also a perfect addition to the aesthetics. The Mini has floor mats that are perfectly designed to specifically fit the space within the floor, meaning there is a reduced risk of them slipping or sliding out of place while you are driving.

Classic Mini for Sale helps to find you the perfect classic Mini within your chosen budget. Also take a look at our classic Mini floor mats for a great deal.

Accessories For Model Cars Collectors

January 27th, 2012

Most people have a hobby because hobbies involve an activity that is very meaningful and personally rewarding. One such hobby that is very popular is collecting model cars. Model cars are detailed miniature replicas of actual cars of various models. Model car enthusiasts are passionate about cars. There are various types of model cars on the market allowing collectors to specialize in their favorite car models. Those who collect model cars such as diecast model cars do so with great enthusiasm.

Many car enthusiasts start collecting model cars at a very young age and continue throughout their lifetime. Model cars are often passed down from generation to generation. A model car display is a very decorative feature in a home and many people take their collection and display them at relevant hobby and car events. There is a wide variety of diecast model cars available covering the first cars that rolled off the assembly line to the newest super sports cars. The serious model car collector makes a meticulous effort to make sure their model cars are exact replicas of the actual car and they keep these cars in safe places such as collector display cases to prevent damage.

Model car accessories vary from the simple to the more detailed and flashy. Today, it is quite easy to collect model cars and their model car accessories. You can find quality online model car dealers online that sell a wide range of model cars and model car accessories. For instance, you can find such model car accessories as Engines, Clocks, Service Lifts, Gas Pumps, Hood Ornaments, Lighting, Testors Custom Kits, Trailers, Figurines, Desktops Dashboards, Dioramas, Wheel Kits, and much more. When searching online, you will find quality retailers selling a wide range of model car accessories and these retailers acquire their accessories from reputable manufacturers. They sell the accessories at competitive prices and they will be delivered right to your front door.

For millions of people around the world, collecting model cars is a time honored tradition. Although some people just collect these cars and their accessories as a fun hobby, there are many who view their collection with a sense of pride and they enjoy displaying them. The uniqueness and beauty of each collection that is based on their own distinct car interest, makes them a wonderful attraction. For instance, some collectors will focus on acquiring all of the car models, while others will collect only a specific model or brand. Some even view collecting model cars as a way of generating a large profit if they choose to sell their collection. Most just enjoy model car collecting and displaying the cars. Acquiring model car accessories just adds more enjoyment to the hobby.

Whether it is a fun hobby or a serious business, model car collecting is a very extensive and lucrative industry. It is a hobby that is enjoyed by all ages and both genders. It is both an enjoyable and rewarding hobby and the purchase of the model car accessories is often just as important as the model cars themselves.

Offering to American passionate Diecast model cars collectors a wide variety of high quality 1 18 diecast cars and trucks such as die cast cars and more.

Car Technology of the Future

January 27th, 2012

We live in a world that is constantly searching for new technology to make everything faster, smoother, better, and more effortless, and the car industry is certainly no exception. We have moved from the single Model T to thousands of different models that can be customized with almost any feature the owner would like. Our cars can now direct us where to go, reroute us when we get lost or encounter heavy traffic, parallel park themselves, and call for help if we are in an accident. With features like these already available, the focus now switches to what car technologies are still to come, and what else our cars will be able to do for us in the very near future.

One of the most important features of automobiles has always been, and will always be, safety. BMW will be adding advanced safety features to its new models that will detect oncoming cars from multiple directions and laser-based collision avoidance systems. In addition, BMW will also be introducing a feature that helps cars sense and avoid pedestrians. This system is not perfect, as it requires the pedestrian to wear a transporter in order to be detected, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.

Mercedes is also starting to implement Pre-Safe systems, which anticipate crashes and prepare the car and passengers. When this system detects a possible accident, it warns the driver, then prepares the airbags, tightens seatbelts, reduces engine power, and primes the brakes so that any touch will apply their full force. Some high-end automakers have also begun introducing adaptive brake lights. Adaptive brake lights alert the cars behind you to how quickly you are braking and how suddenly you are stopping. These brake lights will show normally, unless you brake in an emergency, in which case they will blink rapidly, warning other drivers.

A feature many people think of when they hear the words “car technology” is self-driving cars. While we are not there yet, current technologies continue to bring us closer to the reality of driverless automobiles. Adaptive cruise control takes almost all of the effort out of driving on highways and for long distances. Adaptive cruise control differs from regular cruise control in that it senses other cars on the road. The adaptive feature then adjusts the speed of the car to the speed of the person in front, and maintains a safe driving distance between the automobiles.

Since the economic crash, increase in fuel cost, and rise in concern about the environment, reducing fuel consumption has become an important issue. BMW will be introducing a navigation system that will include a setting to allow which route the driver would like to take: the standard, quick, or economical. They will also be including a public transport information system, which will be able to tell the driver if it would actually be quicker to use public transportation than to drive to their destination. Many new cars also now feature an economy setting, which disconnects the engine when the driver is not accelerating. The economy mode may also be turned on by the driver, and will turn off non-essential features, turn down the air conditioning, and may enable cruise control.

Al Wannestadt works as a freelance writer and marketer for companies like CarLocate, a web car listing service with new and used cars for sale. They are located at www.CarLocate.com . When he is off the clock, Al writes about and stays up-to-date on the latest marketing innovations, and follows the latest news about the automotive industry and cars.

Break Out The Nachos – Ford’s Fiesta Is Hot

January 27th, 2012

The Ford Fiesta made its debut in the US and abroad in 1976. In those days the Fiesta was just another economy car that simply underwhelmed American drivers. Although the Fiesta remained popular in Europe it did not return to American shores until this year. European road tests and continuous upgrades have completely transformed the Fiesta over the last three decades. . Before re-introducing the Fiesta to The States, Ford spent significant time considering what appeals to American drivers. According to Ford, the Fiesta was designed to “physically engage the senses” and we Americans love that touchy feely stuff.

Much to the delight of the Ford Motor Company the Fiesta has been embraced by the mass consuming, economy seeking, American public. It could be the affordable price, under $13,500 or the great mileage ratings (29 city, 40 hwy) that people are responding to but it could also be the whimsical look of Fiesta that has caught the public eye. At first glance the new Ford Fiesta appears to be a distant relative to the June bug, especially when wearing its exclusive “Lime Squeeze Metallic” exterior color. The oval body shape is lower in the front and higher in the back making the Fiesta appear as if it’s about to launch into flight. When it is traveling straight toward you, the Dragon’s-eye headlamps complete its insect-like appearance. If you are not a fan of bugs, Ford is offering six additional colors which make the Fiesta look more like a car. These include; Metallic Yellow Blaze, Bright Magenta, Monterey Gray, Blue Flame, Tuxedo Black, Red Candy, Ingot Silver and a sophisticated Oxford White.

The “engaging to the senses” features cleverly designed by Ford have been incorporated into the Fiesta interior. . For starters, Ford incorporated plenty of sound deadening materials in the headliner, doors and pillars and added an acoustic laminated windshield to keep the interior exceptionally quiet. Unlike any competitor in its class the Fiesta has available luxuries such as heated front leather trimmed seats and a power moon roof. A 4″ multifunctional LCD display screen for phone info, audio settings and other data is positioned in the direct line of sight with red, easy to read text. The Fiesta is loaded with technology as well, including their Intelligent Access push-button start ignition system and the Ford-exclusive SYNC ® system which allows for voice activated, hands free communication.

A 1.6-liter twin-independent variable cam timing (Ti-VCT) Duratec ® Engine lies under the hood of the Fiesta.. Add the available PowerShift six-speed automatic transmission, which prevents drag and allows the Fiesta to reach ideal fuel economy. . Service visits are reduced as well by the fill-for-life transmission fluid system which is designed to last up to 150,000 miles and is virtually maintenance free. An electric powered rack and pinion steering system with AdvanceTrac ® makes the Fiesta nimble and ultra responsive. Car and Driver gave the new Ford Fiesta a high ranking in their fun-to-drive (FTD) factor and they were “thoroughly impressed with the Fiesta’s eager agility and exceptional road-holding.”

With any small vehicle, driver and passenger safety is always a concern. The new Fiesta is packed with more airbags than any other vehicle in its class. A total of seven airbags are standard for the Fiesta. Ford even included an innovative driver’s knee airbag to create a cushion between the driver and the instrument panel in the event of a crash. The future looks bright for this little bug of a car which seems to have a perfect combination of compact size, compact price, smart technology and safety.

Windy Reigns: Author, Creative Consultant, Car Enthusiast – For a large selection of Fiesta cars in Huntington Beach, Orange County area be sure to check out Huntington Beach Ford , for Mustangs visit Huntington Beach Ford Mustang plus we also carry the tough Super Duty truck at Huntington Beach Ford

Paper is the New Air Guitar

January 26th, 2012

The Paper Jamz Guitar is a new musical instrument that is different from most conventional guitars available today. First of all, it’s made of paper, which is why it’s called the Paper Jamz Guitar. Second, it allows children 8 years old and above to jam to the latest hit songs. Finally, it comes in 6 different designs that are sure to appeal to their inner rock star. The rock guitar designs are edgy, such as the black and white guitar that has a shark-like mouth near the bottom. The country guitar, on the other hand, comes in a blue, soulful design, and kids can feel like a little Keith Urban or Taylor Swift.

The Paper Jamz Guitar only weighs 2.05 pounds, which makes it easy for children to move and groove to the music as they press their fingers on the paper. The guitar creates the sounds and chords whenever the child presses the paper; there are circuits on the paper that produces the respective chords. Parents can think of the Paper Jamz Guitar as a “stringless” guitar.

This guitar has three different play modes, which allow the child to discover how it feels like to play a guitar accompaniment for a song. It also allows them to hear themselves play the guitar minus the song’s vocals. The freestyle mode is where the child can create his/her own songs and play real guitar chords. The perfect play mode allows the child to play the guitar in tune to a famous song. Finally, the rhythm mode is where the child can control the rhythm of the guitar while playing along to a hit song.

The guitar has three popular hit songs (these may vary) that a child can play to when using any of the three play modes. Another feature of this item is the karaoke feature. Here, the child can remove or mute the song’s vocals and other background instruments in order to let him/her hear himself/herself play the guitar.

This product has an internal speaker, and parents can buy earphones or an external speaker that can be connected to the guitar if their child wants to completely rock out to the music. However, they have to buy the earphones and speaker separately. The entire package only includes the guitar – parents or their kids would have to choose a design before having the item shipped.

Previous users didn’t regret buying this guitar for their children. One parent has stated that it is a good product for the price, while the other is hoping to be able to buy a real guitar soon, since his/her son has become very interested in playing the guitar since he got it. This guitar is a good substitute for an actual guitar, especially for kids who are only starting to discover what they like to do as a hobby or a pastime. Thanks to the Active Graphics Technology embedded in the guitar, this product can make kids feel like they are truly a rock star.

Are you looking for more information regarding Paper Jamz Guitar? Visit http://www.asontvstore.com/category/toys today.

The Ancient Persian Courier Network

January 26th, 2012

The life of a courier involves a lot of driving, delivering large shipments and smaller packages and letters across the country. Modern technology like state-of-the-art vans and high quality roads allow this process to be completed at great speed – it is possible to cross the United Kingdom from south to north in under 24 hours, although this would require a pair of couriers taking shifts. Today’s couriers might be surprised to know that several thousand years ago, the Ancient Persians had some similar ideas about efficient deliveries.

Ancient Communications

The Persian Empire (c. 550-330 BCE) was vast by ancient standards, reaching from Aegean Turkey in the west to the beginning of India in the east, at its height. The King ruled over it all; although he entrusted local government to his satraps, he still wanted to know all the important news in a timely fashion, especially when it concerned invasions, plagues, famines and so on. Ancient couriers needed to cross the empire as fast as possible with this news.

But the journey across the empire, from Sardis to Susa and further, took up to 90 days on foot. A walking courier was far too slow for vital communications. Mounted couriers were faster, but still faced restrictions like the need to rest their horse, and the hazardous terrain that forced the horse to walk almost as slow as a human for fear of crippling injury.

The Royal Road

King Darius I’s solution was to build a 1,500-mile long road – the Royal Road – which traversed the empire, and establish 111 posting stations along it. Each station kept fresh horses for the couriers to change onto, ensuring that they could ride as fast as possible. The journey across the empire now took a mere 7 days.

The extent of this achievement was recognised by contemporary writers. Famous Ancient Greek writer Herodotus wrote that “Neither snow, nor rain, nor heat, nor darkness of night prevents these couriers from completing their designated stages with utmost speed” in his Histories. The Romans who invaded parts of Persian in later centuries continued its use.

Its route

Herodotus’ writings – along with archaeological research and other historical records – have also furnished us with the Royal Road’s route, so that we can now follow those ancient couriers across the ancient empire. The Royal Road began in Sardis, above 60 miles east of present-day İzmir in Aegean Turkey. From there it went east through the middle northern section of Turkey and passed through the Cilician Gates to Nineveh (present-day Mosul in Iraq), formerly capital of Assyria. It then turned south to Babylon (near present-day Baghdad, Iraq), where it divided. The first route went northeast then east through Ecbatana and along what later became known as the Silk Road. The second went east to Susa (in present-day Iran), future Persian capital, and then southeast to one of Persia’s most famous cities, Persepolis.

An Assyrian road

While King Darius I of Persia ordered the development of the Royal Road’s full length, it seems likely that he wasn’t the first ancient ruler to envisage a quality road connecting important parts of his empire. The Ancient Assyrian Empire, which existed in many phases from as far back as the 20th century BCE until about a hundred years before Cyrus the Great forged Persia, most likely had a hand in building one part of the Royal Road. Its route through Nineveh and Babylon, old important centres of that Empire and not the most direct route across Darius’ empire, is strong evidence for the Assyrians devising infrastructure for ancient couriers even earlier in history, and the Persians simply expanding from it.

Norman Dulwich is a correspondent for Courier Exchange, the world’s largest neutral trading hub for the same day courier and express freight exchange industry. Over 2,500 transport exchange businesses are networked together through their website, trading courier jobs and capacity in a safe ‘wholesale’ environment.

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