Feudal Nobility, part 1
Prior to the advent of Heraldry, symbols or devices provided three basic needs to tribes or groups in Europe. The tribe and its religion made use of devices of significance to the group as a whole; leading warriors used them on their shields or clothing and on their flags and ships; and, finally, personalized symbols were required as seals to facilitate legal transactions for commerce. The need for the use of these symbols increased with the beginning of the crusades in the 12th century. It was most likely that this, combined with the coming together of men from widely scattered parts of Europe for the first time, led to the adoption of a new and improved fashion of symbology. This...