<Ul> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> <Li> </Li> </Ul> <P> The ancient Greek hoplites used individual insignia on their shields . The ancient Romans used similar insignia on their shields, but these identified military units . The first evidence of medieval coats of arms has been attributed to the 11th - century Bayeux Tapestry in which some of the combatants carry shields painted with crosses . However, that heraldic interpretation remains controversial . </P> <P> Coats of arms came into general use by feudal lords and knights in battle in the 12th century . By the 13th century, arms had spread beyond their initial battlefield use to become a flag or emblem for families in the higher social classes of Europe, inherited from one generation to the next . Exactly who had a right to use arms, by law or social convention, varied to some degree between countries . In the German - speaking regions both the aristocracy and "burghers" (non-noble free citizens) used arms, while in most of the rest of Europe they were limited to the aristocracy . The use of arms spread to the clergy, to towns as civic identifiers, and to royally chartered organizations such as universities and trading companies . Flags developed from coats of arms, and the arts of vexillology and heraldry are closely related . The coats of arms granted to commercial companies are a major source of the modern logo . </P> <P> Despite no widespread regulation, heraldry has remained consistent across Europe, where tradition alone has governed the design and use of arms . Some nations, like England and Scotland, still maintain the same heraldic authorities which have traditionally granted and regulated arms for centuries and continue to do so in the present day . In England, for example, the granting of arms is and has been controlled by the College of Arms . Unlike seals and other general emblems, heraldic "achievements" have a formal description called a blazon, which uses vocabulary that allows for consistency in heraldic depictions . In the present day, coats of arms are still in use by a variety of institutions and individuals: for example, many European cities and universities have guidelines on how their coats of arms may be used, and protect their use as trademarks . Many societies exist that also aid in the design and registration of personal arms . </P>

Who used to identify themselves through a coat of arms