When were homing pigeons used?

Homing pigeons have been used for communication purposes for centuries, with their history likely dating back to ancient times. However, their recorded and widespread use as a means of communication gained prominence during specific periods:

Ancient Times:

There are references to the use of homing pigeons for communication in China and Greece as early as 1150 BC and 500 BCE, respectively. Pigeon lofts were established, and pigeons were used for various purposes, including sending messages during military conflicts.

Middle Ages and Renaissance:

During the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods in Europe (5th-16th centuries), homing pigeons continued to play a vital role in communication, especially for military purposes.

19th and Early 20th Centuries:

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, the use of homing pigeons expanded further. These birds were used during the Napoleonic Wars, the Franco-Prussian War, and World War I, particularly for the exchange of military messages and intelligence.

World Wars:

During World Wars I and II, homing pigeons were instrumental in transmitting urgent messages, especially when other forms of communication were disrupted or unreliable. They played a crucial role in the Allies' operations, often delivering life-saving information.

Recent History:

Even after the development of advanced communication technologies, the use of homing pigeons continued in some regions, especially in areas where infrastructure and communication systems were limited. For instance, homing pigeons were famously employed during the siege of Sarajevo during the Yugoslav Wars in the 1990s.

Although the widespread usage of homing pigeons for communication has greatly diminished due to modern technology, pigeon racing, a popular sport involving the competition of racing pigeons, still flourishes around the world.