Cipher History

Historical backgrounds and origins of classical cryptography

4 articles
Pigpen Cipher History: From Ancient Secrets to Modern Puzzles

Pigpen Cipher History: From Ancient Secrets to Modern Puzzles

Explore the fascinating 500-year journey of the pigpen cipher, from medieval mysticism to Freemason rituals and Civil War secrets.

Sarah Chen15 min readDec 10, 2025
The Complete History of the Atbash Cipher: From Ancient Hebrew to Modern Cryptography

The Complete History of the Atbash Cipher: From Ancient Hebrew to Modern Cryptography

Discover how ancient Hebrew scribes invented the Atbash cipher in 500 BCE to encrypt 'Babylon' as 'Sheshach' in the Book of Jeremiah, creating humanity's oldest documented encryption system that survives today as a foundational example in cryptography education.

Dr. Marcus Blackwell12 min readDec 9, 2025
The History of the Caesar Cipher: From Julius Caesar to Modern Times

The History of the Caesar Cipher: From Julius Caesar to Modern Times

The caesar cipher history begins over 2,000 years ago with one of the oldest and most famous encryption methods ever documented. Named after the Roman military leader Julius Caesar, this simple yet ingenious technique has survived for over two millennia.

Dr. Marcus Blackwell14 min readDec 9, 2025
Keyword Cipher History: Complete Guide to Classical Cryptography
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Keyword Cipher History: Complete Guide to Classical Cryptography

Discover the fascinating history of keyword ciphers from 15th-century Renaissance Europe to modern educational applications. Complete guide covering encryption, decryption, cryptanalysis, and real-world examples.

Emily Rodriguez25 min readDec 8, 2025