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system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - Printable Version

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system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - eugene - 04-03-2010

Is there any survived information in sources about the system of flag signalisation in Roman, Greek or Phoenician fleets?


Re: system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - Praefectusclassis - 04-03-2010

Signalling in ancient fleets seems to have been very primitive, with only a colored flag or shield catching the sun used to signify the start of battle. That's it. The naval flag signalling system is, iirc, an 18th century invention.


Re: system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - eugene - 04-08-2010

I wonder why this system of signalisation was not invented: it is not very hard think
and does not requires much technical developement.


Re: system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - Praefectusclassis - 04-08-2010

That goes for many things. You just happen to have to think of them. And need them, of course.


Re: system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - eugene - 04-08-2010

I think that ancient fleets need such signalisation no less than in the 18-th century and later.


Re: system of flag signalisation in ancient fleets - M. Demetrius - 04-09-2010

Somewhere, I think on RAT, I read about a system of flag signals that could relay messages between watchtowers, even with a changing-key code system. If on land, why not at sea?