Carrier Pigeons : Any evidence the Romans used them ?

[Theodosius the Great]

Avete,

I read that the Greeks used carrier pigeons to proclaim the winner of the Olympics.
And before them the Persians and Egyptians also used them.

• So, is there any evidence the Romans may have used them ?
  
  
• If not, is there a theory as to why they did not ?

~Theo

[Endre Fodstad]

I seem to remember that Lazenby, in an old article about "roman pets, mentions their use by Frontinus or something along those lines (check it up on JSTOR). I have the impression that references to carrier pigeons pop up here and there thorough history from well before the roman empire and all the way up to the modern age in the mediterranean and europe...although, of course, doves were eaten as well, so, there might be some reference contamination from food animals.

[Theodosius the Great]

Endre,

Thanks for the information.

I will check on Frontinus. This also sounds like a topic Pliny the Elder would mention ?

I'm surprised no one else has responded yet to this thread. I suspect "Ancient Civ Talk" has much lower traffic than 'Roman History and Archeology". :wink:

~Theo

[M. Demetrius]

Or, as in my case, no information to share.