How did the Beacon Fire Transmission System of the Great Wall Work?

The beacon fire transmission system of the Great Wall was a sophisticated and efficient means of communication in ancient times. Along the length of the Great Wall, a series of watchtowers were equipped with beacon fires. When a threat was detected, the guards in the outermost watchtowers would light the beacon fire. The type of signal, such as the number of fires lit or the frequency of the lighting, conveyed specific information about the nature and scale of the approaching enemy. The smoke and fire were visible from the adjacent watchtowers, which would then relay the signal by lighting their own beacons. This chain reaction would continue, allowing the message to travel quickly along the entire length of the wall and reach the military headquarters or nearby fortresses. The system was designed to provide early warning, enabling the defenders to mobilize and prepare for battle in a timely manner. It relied on the coordination and vigilance of the guards stationed at each watchtower, and its effectiveness was crucial in the defense strategy of the Great Wall, helping to safeguard the empire from potential invasions.