Blog Post #4

    The prospect of using a pigeon to deliver our messages seems comical and absurd through our modern lens. At one point, however, this method was one of the most viable strategies in its day. The exact date of the first use of the carrier pigeon is unknown, the first instances were likely in ancient Egypt. According to the Royal Pigeon Racing Association, "Racing pigeons are descended from the Rock Dove, and the earliest recorded reference to the use of messenger pigeons comes from Ramses III (c1200 BC) when they were used to convey news between cities regarding the flood state of the Nile." This technology was revolutionary at its time because, it was the fastest way to convey a message over a large distance. 

    Moving along further in history, we get to the Roman empire. The carrier pigeon continued to be very useful. The typical way of getting a message to someone at the time was sending someone to hand-deliver it. The use of these pigeons meant that letters didn't have to be transported this way anymore. This advancement allowed for faster and more efficient communication, especially for military and governmental purposes. Roman leaders and generals used pigeons to relay important messages across their vast empire, allowing quick coordination of troops. This method was especially valuable in times of war, as it provided a reliable way to send urgent information without relying on slow-moving messengers on foot or horseback. The use of carrier pigeons in Rome laid the foundation for their continued importance in communication throughout history.

    So where did these pigeons go from there? These birds were very popular in the middle east. This is how the RPRA puts it: "Carrier pigeons were held in very high esteem in the Arab world, and were called "The Kings Angels." Clearly, the Arab people had a certain fondness for these feathered beings. Around this time, these pigeons were being used not only to deliver messages, but also to deliver goods, help with war efforts, and in religious ceremonies.  

    In a more modern world, we turn our attention toward western Europe (more specifically Britain and France). With the invention of the postal system, messages sent by pigeon became much more rare. Instead of being used to send messages, pigeons were made to race. There was an exception to the rule though: both world wars. According to our article, "The British royal family began to keep pigeons in the late nineteenth century, and pigeon racing became a sport of the masses in the early 1900’s. Pigeons were used extensively as message carriers by armies on both sides during World War 1  and World War 2." .These birds played a vital role in military communication, often delivering critical messages when other forms of communication failed. Their ability to fly long distances, navigate accurately, and avoid enemy interception made them invaluable assets on the battlefield. 

  While the days of relying on pigeons for communication are long behind us, their historical significance cannot be overlooked. These remarkable birds played a crucial role in shaping how messages were delivered across vast distances, from ancient Egypt to the battlefields of the world wars. Though they have since been replaced by modern technology, their legacy lives on in racing and historical accounts.