Maya writing system

Numerous features distinguish the Maya from other cultures of ancient Mesoamerica, but one that has attracted explorers and scholars for centuries is Maya Hieroglyphic Writing. While our alphabet system is based on phonetic signs, in comparison to Maya writing our system seems much simpler. Our words are formed from the combinations of only 26 signs. By contrast, all Maya words are formed by nearly a combination of 800 signs. If you want to know more about the Maya writing system, please click on the following link to get more detailed information.
http://www.ancientscripts.com/maya.html

Impact of the Telegraph

The telegraph is defined as any system that allows the transmission of encoded information by signal across a distance. The earliest forms of telegraphy were probably smoke, fire or drum signals. In the late 18th century, optical telegraphs were invented.
In the United States, the electrical telegraph was developed by Samuel Morse in 1836, an alternative design that was capable of transmitting over long distances using wire.
By 1861, telegraph lines crossed the American continent; by 1866, the transatlantic cable connected America and Europe.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/invention-of-the-telegraph.html

Great Inventions of Ancient China – Printing

Block Printing first appeared in the Tang Dynasty (618-907), it became efficient to print books, however the drawbacks were that all the boards became useless after the printing was done and a single mistake in carving would ruin the whole block. The process of Block Printing was also costly and time-consuming.
In the Song Dynasty, Bisheng invented Movable Type Printing. Each Chinese character was carved onto a small block and after being processed with special procedures, became a piece of movable type. The pieces of movable type could be glued onto a plate and be easily detached from it. They could be assembled to print a page and then broken up and redistributed as needed.
This technology then spread to Korea, Japan, Vietnam and Europe.
http://en.radio86.com/china-past-and-present/history/world-changing-chinese-inventions-printing

Using pigeons to carry messages

Carrier pigeons were used to carry messages in World War I and World War II. Carrier pigeons historically carried messages only one way, to their home. They had to be transported manually back. However with training, pigeons can fly back and forth reliably and also can carry up to 75g on their backs.
Here is a link about a quite famous pigeon, Cher Ami, among the infantrymen it worked for. He was injured in the last week of the war and lost his foot, the message got through to save a large group of surrounded American infantrymen.
http://www.homeofheroes.com/wings/part1/3b_cherami.html

Smoke signal

Using smoke as a signal to conduct a long-distance visual communication was developed by both Native Americans and personnel manning signal towers along China's Great Wall.
By its density, size, shape and color, the smoke signals tend to convey only simple messages, such as, Indians using light and heavy smoke to make a good call - wedding, and the other a bad call - war. Smoke can also be used to obscure enemy communication or to send deceptive signals. And it is still used today in fire and rescue work as well as some military mission.
http://books.google.com/books?id=RBC2nY1rp5MC&pg=PA415&lpg=PA415&dq=smoke+signal+in+war+communication&source=bl&ots=9B8fBXW7S5&sig=3KB3kmbYxX882uXVnvifhvXCF00&hl=en&ei=mgplTcK9Fsys8Abt4Jm3Bg&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=3&sqi=2&ved=0CCYQ6AEwAg#v=onepage&q=smoke%20signal%20in%20war%20communication&f=false

The Talking Drum

The talking drum was used originally in Africa for communications between villages. I have inserted an article and a video link which I think everyone will find interesting. As you read the folowing history of the talking drum you will discover that the drum served another purpose other than entertainment.

http://v.youku.com/v_show/id_XMTI2NjMyNDc2.html

http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/the-talking-drums-of-west-africa-557606.html

Papyrus Communication

Papyrus was invented in Egypt as a writing instruments in their quest to find out efficient and easy means of communications. This plant was used also used for fuel, food, medicine clothing and rope manufacture. It was made from the outer layer from the stem and the inner layer of the plant was sliced into long strips placed side by side with the second layer on top at a right angle. The whole thing is soaked in water and pressed under a heavy rock for 21days. The juice of the plant acted as glue and bonded the strips together. The outcome was a sheet which was hammered and dried in the sun.


http://www.ancientegyptianfacts.com/ancient-egyptian-papyrus.html