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1200 BCE
Papyrus Advertisement in Egypt
The first known written advertisement: a papyrus promoting a slave and textiles. -
206 BCE
Woodblock Printing
Used on textiles and paper, an early form of print advertising (China) -
500
Town Criers with Horns
Shared news and product offers vocally in markets -
1000
Guild Signs on Buildings
Craftsmen used symbolic signs on their houses to indicate their trade – an early form of visual advertising. -
1447
Gutenberg's Invention of the Printing Press
The beginning of mass communication; flyers and posters became possible. -
Advertising as the Heart of Commercialism
Products needed to stand out – advertising gave meaning to otherwise identical goods. -
First Ad Agencies
Helped businesses place ads in newspapers -
Alphonse Mucha’s Posters
Advertising posters became a true art form with flowing lines and natural colors. -
Uncle Sam 'I Want You' poster
Iconic war recruitment ad -
First Radio Spots and Jingles
Brands like Wheaties sponsored programs – marking the start of advertising through radio. -
“Scientific Advertising” by Claude Hopkins
Advertising becomes data-driven, focusing on testing, results, and psychology over pure creativity. Albert Lasker, often called the “father of modern advertising,” also championed this method. -
“A Diamond Is Forever” – De Beers
A campaign that created emotional value and used storytelling to market diamonds. -
Volkswagen "Think Small" Campaign (1960)
Minimalist design and clever copy – a revolution in ad tone -
Apple’s “1984” Commercial (Directed by Ridley Scott)
A visually spectacular TV ad, using cinematic style to make a bold brand statement. -
Benetton Campaigns by Oliviero Toscani
Controversial images addressing HIV, racism, and war to provoke thought and attention. -
Influencer Marketing on Instagram and YouTube
Brands collaborate with content creators to deliver personalized, engaging ads