Overview
This lecture explores the evolution of media, focusing on the Pre-Industrial Age and its significant developments in communication and information sharing.
The Evolution of Media: Four Ages
- The evolution of media is divided into four ages: Pre-Industrial, Industrial, Electronic, and Information.
- This lecture covers only the first age: the Pre-Industrial Age.
Key Developments in the Pre-Industrial Age
- Major discoveries included fire, paper from plants, and forging tools and weapons from stone, copper, and iron.
- Early media forms included cave paintings (game art) from 35,000 BC, mainly by Homo sapiens in Europe.
- Papyrus in Egypt (2500 BC) was used for religious texts, literature, scientific discoveries, and medical knowledge.
- Clay tablets in Mesopotamia (2400 BC) used cuneiform writing and were made with clay and reeds, then baked or sun-dried.
- Acta Diurna in Rome (130 BC) were daily public records carved on stone or metal, detailing events, legal proceedings, and important announcements.
- Dibao in China (2nd century) were government-issued reports and are seen as one of the oldest newspapers.
- Codices in Mayan civilization (5th century) were folding books made from tree bark, featuring hieroglyphic script and astronomical/religious information.
- Woodblock printing press (220 AD) in China was among the earliest printing techniques, used by Buddhists to create holy images and texts.
Impact of Pre-Industrial Media
- These early media contributed significantly to advancements in science, medicine, and religion.
- They laid the foundation for future technological and informational progress.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Pre-Industrial Age — The era before widespread industrialization, marked by early human discoveries and inventions.
- Cave Paintings — Prehistoric wall art made by early humans, often depicting animals and daily life.
- Papyrus — Ancient Egyptian writing material made from the papyrus plant.
- Clay Tablet — Early writing medium in Mesopotamia, using cuneiform script on clay.
- Acta Diurna — Ancient Roman daily public records or gazettes.
- Dibao — Government bulletins or reports in ancient China.
- Codex — A folding book from the Mayan civilization, made from tree bark and featuring hieroglyphs.
- Woodblock Printing — Early printing technique using carved wood blocks to transfer ink onto paper.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and study the examples of pre-industrial media mentioned.
- Prepare for the next lecture, which will cover the Industrial Age’s media evolution.