How did communication technology start, and what were its early forms?

Communication technology began with some pretty simple yet revolutionary tools. The earliest forms included written messages, where people used symbols and letters on tablets or parchment to convey information. The invention of the printing press in the 15th century by Johannes Gutenberg was a game-changer, making it possible to mass-produce books and spread information more widely. Later, technologies like the telegraph in the 19th century allowed people to send messages over long distances almost instantaneously, marking a huge leap in communication.