skytale

The paper is called skytale as well as the stick, as a thing measured is called by the name of the measure.

Plutarch's Lives, Volume II 46-120? Plutarch 1839

Around 500 B.C., the Spartans invented a device called the "skytale" in order to transport hidden messages.

The Evolution Of Spy ToolsReinventing Intelligence: The Evolution Of Spy Tools Leah Hoffmann 2006

Now when they desire to transmit some secret of importance to him, they wrap a long narrow strip of paper [152] like a strap round the skytale which is in their possession, leaving no intervals, but completely covering the stick along its whole length with the paper.

Plutarch's Lives, Volume II 46-120? Plutarch 1839

They put to death Thorax, one of his friends, whom they found in possession of silver coin, and they sent a skytale to him bidding him appear before them.

Plutarch's Lives, Volume II 46-120? Plutarch 1839

Lysander, when this skytale reached him at the Hellespont, was much troubled, and as he especially feared the accusations of

Plutarch's Lives, Volume II 46-120? Plutarch 1839