So, I was thinking. From what I read, the Romans probably had one of the most, if not the most advanced glassmaking knowledge in the world at one point. So much so that China itself was enamored with Roman glass products (though not enough to balance out Roman imports of silk, it seems. A whole Portuguese wine for English textiles situation).
So, my idea is... A rapid but gradual development of optical sciences in the Roman Empire. I'm talking magnifying lenses, monoculars, better mirrors...
Think of the military and scientific advantages that would give them. For instance, I was thinking about a system of semaphores/optical telegraphs and a Roman version of Morse Code using lenses and sunlight or fire light to quickly carry complex messages between thousands of kilometers (like Gondor signal fires, but way more complex). Or using monoculars for military purposes and sea navigation.
Besides, I loved stained glass decorations and have been imagining Medieval-style stained glass mixed up with Roman architecture lol.
Would it be possible?
So, my idea is... A rapid but gradual development of optical sciences in the Roman Empire. I'm talking magnifying lenses, monoculars, better mirrors...
Think of the military and scientific advantages that would give them. For instance, I was thinking about a system of semaphores/optical telegraphs and a Roman version of Morse Code using lenses and sunlight or fire light to quickly carry complex messages between thousands of kilometers (like Gondor signal fires, but way more complex). Or using monoculars for military purposes and sea navigation.
Besides, I loved stained glass decorations and have been imagining Medieval-style stained glass mixed up with Roman architecture lol.
Would it be possible?