THE HISTORY OF LOGISTICS I - PRE-WORLD WAR II

A brief overview of the history of pre-world war 2 logistics.

1. THE HISTORY OF
LOGISTICS I
Created by Monica Sellers


Do you know where the term Logistics
comes from?

The term “logistics”, derived from the Greek word
“Logos” and the evolved Greek term “Logistikê”,
which was used only in modern times by military
historians to express, the action of organized supply
of goods and weaponry to an army.
Today, the term “logistics” describes the integration
and management of the product value chain (the
process or activities by which a company adds value
to an article, including production, marketing, and the
provision of after-sales service) from suppliers to the
customer.

2. It includes all aspects of the chain of production,
including design, suppliers, financing, information,
energy, transportation, distribution, and sales.
Sources: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/logistics and http://www.investinganswers.com/financial-
dictionary/businesses-corporations/logistics-580

Please click this link for a more in depth
explanation of logistics.





Logistics is not a new concept. It has
existed since time immemorial, however
we can trace it with much certainty as far
back as 2700 B.C. in the Greek and Roman
Empires when military logistics was
employed to conquer new territories.
However, over the years, there has been a
greater emphasis on business logistics,
for the supply of goods to consumers and
medical and events logistics.

3. PRE-WORLD WAR II
LOGISTICS


Around 2700 B.C.


The ancient engineering accomplishments of Giza
including the Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt are so
impressive that no one has uncovered how these
pyramids were built.

4. What is certain is that logistics played a pivotal role,
as, blocks of stone weighing several tons were
transported and assembled at the construction site.

Around 300 B.C.

This period represents the revolutionary Greek rowing
vessels used to carry people and goods across
different water bodies and the new foundation of
intercontinental trade.

ALEXANDER THE GREAT’S USE OF LOGISTICS

5. Alexander Mosaic (c. first century AD), ancient Roman floor mosaic from the House of the Faunin Pompeii showing Alexander fighting
king Darius III of Persia in the Battle of Issus.

Additionally, during this period, Alexander conquered
much of East Asia. His successes are attributed to
supply chain and a military logistics structure that
was fundamentally different from other armies of the
time.

In his army, the use of carts was severely restricted
and his soldiers were trained to carry their own
equipment (ammunition and weaponry) and
provisions.

The result of Alexander’s army logistics structure was
that, it became the fastest, lightest, and most mobile
army of its time; being capable of making fast attacks
on opponents often before they were even aware of
what was happening.

Other armies of the time did not require their soldiers
to carry such heavy burdens, but they paid for this

6. because the resulting baggage trains reduced their
speed and mobility.

Around A.D. 700

Procurement logistics was used in the construction of
the Mezquita Mosque by the Umayyads.

The pillars came to Spain from all parts of the Islamic
empire.

7. Do you know what procurement
logistics is?

Step 1
What is Logistics?
YOU KNOW THIS!!! (Think harder)


Step Two
What is procurement?
- The action of obtaining something

Answer: The systematic coordination of all aspects of
the procurement process including bids, price
negotiations, assuring proper quantities and
specifications, shipping and delivery.

8. The goal is to obtain materials, services or products at
the best possible cost which meet the needs and time
constraints of the organization.

(Source:http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/procurement-logistics.html)



Around 1200


Map of the Hanseatic League, showing principal Hanseatic cities

The Hanseatic League, also called “Hansa”, “German
Hanse”, was an organization founded by north
German towns and German merchant communities
abroad to protect their mutual trading interests
(cooperation for transport bundling and international
sea transport).

9. This organization aided in the protection of their
rights/ privileges to use certain trade routes and also
created a free trade zone. Thus supporting in business
logistics.
(Source: http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hanseatic_League)

Around 1500


This marked the era of progressive postal service in
Europe, the first time-definite mail shipping service.

Around 1800

10. During this period, the discovery of new road
conveyances and the railroad, thus expansion of
logistics tasks through new technologies and means
of transport.


Other Sources
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/archaeology-and-history/archaeology/giza-pyramids/
A modern historian, Donald Engels, has investigated this topic in his book Alexander the
Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army (Engles, Donald W., 1980, Alexander the
Great and the Logistics of the Macedonian Army, Los Angeles, CA: University of California
Press).
https://www.britannica.com/topic/Hanseatic-League
http://www.american-historama.org/1801-1828-evolution/railroads-in-the-1800s.htm