The Scythians, a nomadic people of ancient Eurasia, employed a fascinating method of communication through physical objects. One notable example is when they sent a box of items to King Darius I of Persia as a message.
Meanwhile, the Inca Empire, known for its advanced civilization in ancient South America, employed a unique form of visual communication known as the knot tying language, called "quipu." Quipus were intricate systems of knotted strings made from various fibers, colors, and knot types. These elaborate arrangements of knots represented a sophisticated method of recording and conveying information. Different knot positions, colors, and spacing conveyed numerical data, calendar events, historical accounts, and even storytelling. Quipus served as memory aids for record-keeping and played a crucial role in administrative tasks, taxation, and historical documentation within the Inca Empire. Although the exact interpretation of quipus remains a subject of ongoing study, they stand as a remarkable testament to the visual communication prowess of the Inca civilization.
The development and widespread adoption of the alphabet brought about significant changes in communication practices, ultimately leading to the decline and eradication of various ancient visual communication methods.