How Did Ancient Rome Use The Symbols Of Arms?

Words: 139
Pages: 1

In ancient Rome, soldiers began painting matching insignia on their shields to identify which military unit they belonged to. In medieval times, knights and noblemen began carrying shields bearing a coat of arms that distinguished their family from all of the others. The symbols and colors each represented a positive characteristic such as courage or bravery and a coat of arms could be passed down from father to son or worn by the women of the family. Most coats of arms consisted of a shield, supporters, crest, and motto. During the 13th century, families began displaying the family crest on everything from flags and banners to stained glass windows as a symbol of pride. The use of the emblems spread to churches, clergymen, educational institutions,