By the 1600s, people were letting it be known about wares they wish to sell and whatnot in newspapers; a practice that continues today. This is generally consid

By the 1600s, people were letting it be known about wares they wish to sell and whatnot in newspapers; a practice that continues today. This is generally considered the birth of "modern" advertising. If you want a definition, pick a definition – come up with something on the spot, even. It makes no difference to me.