07-03-2009, 01:21 AM
Did the Byzantines use hot-air aerostates for signalling and since when so? Lynn White maintains that they were employed in Western Europe at least since the 9th century AD which I find a surprisingly early date for such a cunning device. Somehow it does not fit into the popular image of the crude modes of early medieval warfare.
Stefan (Literary references to the discussed topics are always appreciated.)