This device, called the scytale, consisted of a tapered baton around which was spirally wrapped a piece of parchment inscribed with the message. When unwrapped the parchment bore an incomprehensible set of letters, but when wrapped around another baton of identical proportions, the original text reappeared.

How was the scytale cipher used?

Scytale is a very basique transposition cipher used in ancient Greece and by spartans. A band is wrapped around a rod, a message is written, and when the band is unrolled a ciphertext appears.

How was scytale used by Spartans to encrypt messages?

This low-tech communication method gave Spartan generals the ability to send secure messages back and forth by wrapping a thin piece of leather or paper around a rod called a scytale. The messages would then be inscribed horizontally across the rod.