The evolution of telecommunications I: Ancient civilizations used smoke signals

Looking at the ubiquity of the mobile phones these days, one might be tempted to think that this is how telecommunications always was. This year's World Telecommunications Day was based on the theme: “Big Data for Big Impact.” But it's not true. This area of human growth has seen vast changes and is testament to the fact that the human race has achieved a lot by the dint of its hard work and perseverance. This article provides details of the history of telecommunications and the journey that helped make it what it is today.

The history of telecommunication in human civilization begins with the smoke signals and drums of Africa, the Americas and parts of Asia to the use of homing pigeons for distant communication to flags and kerchiefs. Talking drums were used by natives of Africa, New Guinea and South America, and smoke signals in North America and China. Homing pigeons were also used in history by different cultures and civilizations. Pigeon posts have Persian roots and were later used by the Romans for military uses. But contrary to popular belief, such systems were used for several purposes rather than just military.

Use of smoke signals for telecommunications

The smoke signal method is actually one of the oldest forms of long distance communication. Basically, it is a form of visual communication that can be utilized over long distances. Generally, smoke signals could signal danger, transmit news, or gather people.

In ancient China, particularly soldiers stationed along the Great Wall could alert each other of enemy attack through smoke signals from one tower to another. Surprisingly, they were able to send a message as distant as 750 km or 470 miles within a few hours.

In fact, the abuse of smoke signal is said to have be the reason for the fall of Western Zhou Dynasty in the eighth century BCE. King You of Zhou used to fool his warlords with fake warnings to amuse Bao Si, his companion (known as one of four ancient beauties of China). When the actual rebellion happened, no one came to help the king.

To be continued...