A lot was also coded into art, buildings, clothing etc. Historically most people were illiterate, so more communication happened through other media or ‘material culture’.
Something tells me the “code” is more like: Napoleon’s drinking with his officers, and he says: “imagine Wellington, Nelson, Alexander, and Talleyrand are together in a room with me and I only have THIS” (plunks that pistol down on the table) “Who should I shoot?”
Look up things like flower codes and using fans to send messages.
These ‘gifts’ were like emojis are today; unless someone told you, you’d never know what a particular one was supposed to mean.
I was just looking and couldn’t find it yet, but I can imagine a world of subtle signals
A lot was also coded into art, buildings, clothing etc. Historically most people were illiterate, so more communication happened through other media or ‘material culture’.
Something tells me the “code” is more like: Napoleon’s drinking with his officers, and he says: “imagine Wellington, Nelson, Alexander, and Talleyrand are together in a room with me and I only have THIS” (plunks that pistol down on the table) “Who should I shoot?”
spoiler
the answer is: “Talleyrand, three times!”
“Careme” on Apple TV.
One of the best spy shows I’ve ever seen. A talented cook is suborned as an agent of Talleyrand. Check it out.
Sounds awesome. Probably not at all historically accurate but it’s always fun to see how they represent people.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marie-Antoine_Carême
A good answer too!
“But Emperor, the charge is so small, that even with three shots he would die slowly and painfully-- OH! I see!”