Monday, June 23, 2025

Journey of Communication Technology - Classical to Medieval Era – Expanding Empires, Expanding Communication


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

🐎 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.

🏰 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

πŸ“œ 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

πŸ“‘ 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


🌏 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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