Brief History of Logistics - From Ancient Times to Industry 5.0

The Egyptian Empire (3300 BC to 332 BC) developed transport and storage techniques to maintain a constant supply of food and basic goods. Later, the Roman Empire (27 BC to 476 AD) established an extensive network of land and sea routes, known as the Roman Roads, in order to facilitate the transport of goods and troops across its vast territory. The Romans also pioneered the use of convoy ships for maritime transport, setting up supply depots along their routes.

The concept of logistics, particularly in the military context, was known to ancient Greeks and Romans

when it comes to moving goods and supplies. But it wasn`t until the 18th century that the Prussian general Karl von Clausewitz introduced the concept of that what we call logistics today, and refers to activities related to the supply, transport and maintenance of troops.

In 1811, the author William Miller published Elements of the Science of War. In the "Logistics" chapter, he revealed the strategies which were used by our predecessors to transport and store weapons and food during wartime.

Another widely accepted theory links the word "logistics" to the Swiss general Antoine-Henri Jominy, who was the first to use it in its French form (logistique) in his military treatise Summary of the Art of War (1838).

Middle Ages: during this period, artisan associations and trade routes played an essential role in the exchange of goods. Storage and distribution methods were shaped by individual markets.

The Industrial Revolution: 18th century marked a turning point in logistics. The invention of machines, railways and steamships transformed the transport systems, enabling a faster and more efficient flow of goods.