<head>Fire-Signalling</head>I think that as regards the system of signalling by fire, which is now of the greatest possible service in war but was formerly undeveloped, it will be of use not to pass it over but to give it a proper discussion.
It is evident to all that in every matter, and especially in warfare, the power of acting at the right time contributes very much to the success of enterprises, and fire-signals are the most efficient of all the devices which aid us to do this.
For they show what has recently occurred and what is still in the course of being done, and by means of them anyone who cares to do so even if he is at a distance of three, four, or even more days' journey can be informed.
So it is always surprising how help can be brought by means of fire messages when the situation requires it.
Now in former times, as fire-signals were simple beacons, they were for the most part of little use to those who used them.
For the service should have been performed by signals previously determined upon, and as facts are indefinite, most of them defied communication by fire-signals.
To take the case I just mentioned, it was possible for those who had agreed on this to convey information that a fleet had arrived at Oreus, Peparethus, or <a class="linkToPlace" target="_blank" href="/place?placename=Chalcis&groupId=457&placeId=853">Chalcis</a>, but when it came to some of the citizens having been guilty of treachery or a massacre having taken place in the town, or anything of the kind, things that often happen, but cannot all be foreseen —
and it is chiefly unexpected occurrences which require instant consideration and help — all such matters defied communication by fire-signal.
For it was quite impossible to have a preconcerted code for things which there was no means of foretelling.
Walbank Commentary