How did identity and identifying people work before pictures?

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For example if a famous scholar moved from one place to another how would they know he was really that famous scholar?

In: Culture

olafbond commented

I would suggest that a letter from a person who is known to a recieving part worked fine. A handwriten letter contains many hints proving that it’s origin. Script, a sign, a seal, facts and names in the text, manner of expressing thoughts, etc.