Literacy in itself does not "make a horse run any faster". But ancient literacy is correlated with more developed and bigger states (empires) whose ordinary in

Literacy in itself does not "make a horse run any faster". But ancient literacy is correlated with more developed and bigger states (empires) whose ordinary inhabitants aren't constantly threatened with wars and enjoy certain protections of the law. Such countries also build roads and engage in extensive internal and external trade. In such a stable environment, culture is easier to cultivate. And horses on well-built roads do travel faster.