From ancient hieroglyphs to modern road signs, humanity has long relied on symbolic systems for communication. Coats of arms, emerging in the Middle Ages, exemplify this tradition, yet they extend beyond mere symbols into deep expressions of family lineage, achievements, and societal status. Victor Hugo poignantly described heraldry as both an algebra and a language, encapsulating the rich tapestry of medieval life much like the Roman Church symbolized earlier ages.

During their zenith in the late Middle Ages, coats of arms permeated nearly every facet of public life— arts, military to literature. Noblemen proudly bore their family symbols into battle and in their daily attire, while heraldic imagery adorned everything from palatial decor to everyday household items and even tombstones, infusing nobility and townspeople’s lives with a sense of legacy and prestige.

However, the language of heraldry, a blend of Old English and Norman French, often remains elusive, creating an aura of mystery around its study. It was crafted specifically for heraldic descriptions, adding a layer of romance to its historical function. Coats of arms and heraldic terminology, or 'Armory' as it was originally termed, serve as concise histories themselves, capturing the essence of medieval existence in a unique, unspoken language that continues to fascinate and intrigue.