How Ancient Empires Sent Complex Messages With Fire [20:21]

YouTube ^ | November 5, 2025 | The Rise of Civilization (with Lance Geiger)

[dfwgator]

I wonder if the Romans really did use Aldis lamps

[SunkenCiv]

It could be. It has definitely stuck with me since my teens. I had to recite a chunk of “Road Goes Ever On” during a wedding, and didn’t much care for that. But at least we weren’t wearing Hobbit wardrobes, just regular tux rentals and such.

[SunkenCiv]

Probably just semaphore.

[dfwgator]

[Ezekiel]

This is great, thanks.

However, he neglected to mention the contribution of the canines.

Only instead of a sparking chain it was a barking chain.

The Twilight Bark:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed_Kxyqgp1c

[x]

Not unlike the heliographs that bring us information from all over the world today.

[Track9]

This is how Clytemnestra knew Agamemnon had taken Troy and was returning home.

[Verginius Rufus]

Yes, Aeschylus in his play Agamemnon, put on in 458 B.C., has a system of signal fires by which the news of the capture of Troy is sent to Argos.

[Track9]

“Aye, but the house and these old stones,
give them a voice and what a tale they’d tell.
And so would I, gladly... I speak to those who know;
to those who don’t my mind’s a blank.
I never say a word.”

[SunkenCiv]

That was the leash of their usefulness.

[Adder]

Tough to use in the rain...

[SunkenCiv]

It's bad form to fight with one hand while holding an umbrella in the other, but those crazy ancient b******s probably did that too.