Communication

Prehistoric Communication

30,000 BCE

Cave paintings and petroglyphs: Early humans communicate through drawings on cave walls and rocks.
Smoke signals: Used by ancient civilizations such as the Greeks, Romans, and Chinese to send messages over long distances.

Ancient Communication

3500 BCE

Pictograms: Early written symbols used by civilizations like the Sumerians, Egyptians, and Indus Valley people.
Hieroglyphics: Egyptian writing system combining logographic and alphabetic elements.
Phoenician alphabet: The precursor to many modern writing systems, including Greek and Latin.
Postal systems: Established by civilizations like the Persian Empire, allowing for the delivery of written messages.

Medieval Communication

500

Illuminated manuscripts: Elaborate hand-written books adorned with intricate illustrations, prevalent in medieval Europe.
Town criers: Public announcers who delivered news and proclamations in public spaces.
Carrier pigeons: Used for communication over long distances, particularly during wartime.

Early Modern Communication

1500

Printing press: Invented by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, revolutionizing the mass production of books and pamphlets.
Telegraph: Patented by Samuel Morse in the 19th century, enabling long-distance communication using electrical signals and Morse code.

Modern Communication

2024

Telephone: Invented by Alexander Graham Bell in the late 19th century, allowing for real-time voice communication over long distances.
Mobile phones: Commercialized in the 1980s, mobile phones have become ubiquitous, allowing for voice calls, text messages, and internet access on the go.
Social media: Platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have transformed interpersonal communication, enabling users to share information and connect with others globally in real-time.