I am writing an alternate history story that pictures an earlier
development of hot air balloons in Romans times, set about 200 CE.
Obviously they are going to be at the mercy of wind.
I am trying to think what uses it could be used for and I had some
thoughts.
Military
) Could it be used by scouts to see army columns or would the lack of a
telescope make it relatively useless.
) Imagine a city is under siege could the attacking army when the wind
is in the right location launch a hot air balloon with say heavy
stones. When the balloon is over the city, it drops the stones. It then
continues to drift over the city to be picked up on the other side. It
then is driven back to a suitable launch position to start again.
Commercial.
) Assuming that one is willing to wait a reasonable time for the
correct wind conditions could it be used to cart freight in places
where roads might not be available. I understand that it would not be
able to get it exactly at the desired spot but could it get the stuff
within a reasonable distance. Then the balloonist need a cart to come
pick it up.
