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Advertising: History of advertising · Early Origins and Industrial Brands

How advertising grew from shop signs and town criers into printed ads, posters, national brands and the first agencies.

Advertising · 22 questions

Try 3 questions

1. Before literacy was widespread, why did shops hang pictures such as a boot or a pretzel instead of written names?

  1. Pictures were cheaper than painted lettering
  2. Guild rules banned written signs
  3. Most passersby could not read
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Answer: Most passersby could not read

With most people unable to read, a recognizable image was the only way a sign could tell the street what was sold inside.

2. The walls of Pompeii preserve many painted public notices. What did most of them promote?

  1. Religious festivals and temple rites
  2. Election candidates and gladiator games
  3. Imported wines and olive oil
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Answer: Election candidates and gladiator games

Most surviving painted notices in Pompeii urge votes for candidates or announce gladiator shows, an early form of political and event advertising.

3. Before printing, how were goods and public announcements most often spread in European towns?

  1. Spoken aloud by town criers
  2. Carved on public stone tablets
  3. Posted as handwritten bills
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Answer: Spoken aloud by town criers

Town criers walked the streets calling out news, sales and lost goods, because spoken word reached everyone regardless of literacy.

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