When did people first use addresses?

Because early rural communities were so small and all communications were delivered by word of mouth, there was no need for any-mailing addresses. People knew the whereabouts of their relatives and neighbors, and messages were easily directed to them. Then, as more of the common folk learned to read and write, and as people began to inhabit and name more remote areas of the globe, word of mouth was no longer an efficient means of communication. Difficulties arose with the increase in letter-writing. Therefore, to ensure delivery to the correct place, home addresses were given.