Hydraulic Telegraph: Ancient Greece's Telecommunications Breakthrough
The hydraulic telegraph, invented by ancient Greeks, was a pioneering telecommunications device that enabled long-distance message sending as early as the 4th century BC.
Designed by Aeneas Tacticus for military use, it facilitated the efficient transmission of pre-arranged messages across Alexander the Great's vast empire.
Messages sent included: "Enemy on sight," "Cavalry attack," "We need wheat," "Infantry in action," "Cyclical movement," and more.
The device's operation is detailed in Aeneas' work, Poliorcetika, as retrieved by Polybius.
- Capacity: long-distance message sending
- Purpose: military communication
- Usage: during times of war in ancient Greece
Author's summary: Ancient Greece invented the world's first telecommunications device.