
Journey of Communication Technology - Classical to Medieval Era – Expanding Empires, Expanding Communication
This period (roughly 500 BCE to 1500 CE) saw organized, scalable, and often state-sponsored communication systems across empires and regions. Written language, courier systems, and physical infrastructure enabled long-distance messaging.
✉️ 2.1 Handwritten Letters & Scrolls
Used by: Roman Empire, Mauryan Empire, Chinese dynasties
Mediums: Papyrus, birch bark, parchment, silk
Carried by: Foot messengers, horses, and camels (e.g., Persian Angarium postal system)
Use Cases: Military orders, royal decrees, trade, and tax instructions
π 2.2 Royal Messenger Systems
Persian Empire: The Angarium system (6th century BCE) used relay stations and horse messengers.
Mauryan Empire (India): Emperor Ashoka used edicts on stone pillars and rocks (3rd century BCE) and employed trained messengers.
Mongol Empire: The Yam system was a fast relay postal system with fresh horses and supply stations over long distances.
π° 2.3 Town Criers & Heralds
How it worked: An official loudly announced news in town squares.
Used in: Medieval Europe, ancient Indian towns
Purpose: Convey royal proclamations, market timings, and laws to the illiterate population
π 2.4 Printing Revolution (1440 CE)
Inventor: Johannes Gutenberg (Germany)
Breakthrough: Movable type printing press – allowed mass production of books, newspapers, flyers
First Book Printed: The Gutenberg Bible
Impact: Democratized knowledge; revolutionized education and communication across Europe
π‘ 2.5 Semaphore Systems (Late 1700s)
(Emerging at the end of this era but foundational to later technologies)
Invented in France by Claude Chappe
What it was: A network of towers with mechanical arms used to transmit coded messages visually
Speed: 200–300 km per day
Precursor to: Telegraph systems of the 1800s
π India’s Contributions
System/Method |
Period |
Purpose/Use |
Ashokan
Edicts |
3rd
BCE |
Spread
of Dhamma, laws |
Bharatiya
Postal Runners |
Classical
– Medieval India |
Carrying
written scrolls |
Temple
Inscriptions |
5th–12th
CE |
Records
of donations, laws |
Horses
& Camels for Message Relay |
Medieval
Rajasthan & Delhi Sultanate |
Military & royal communication |
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