Flags and flag-like emblems in a variety of ever-changing styles and shapes have been used for over 5,000 years. Originally used for identification in war and at sea, the first flag-like objects, or vexilloids, were solid, such as carvings of animals, birds or abstract shapes, held aloft on poles. To these were attributed the power to grant protection and victory to their bearers. The Romans used vexilloids (as in the eagle standards of the legion) but they were also the first to introduce Continue Reading >>