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 Flags were not the earliest form of national symbol. First came figures carved in wood, stone, or metal, mounted at the top of a pole or spear. These figures were carried into battle by Egyptians, Hebrews, Persians, Assyrians, and Romans. A wisp of hay tied to a spear was another ancient Roman standard. Still another was the aquila, which was carried by Roman legions. This was a pole with an eagle carved at the top. An early type of flag was in use about AD 300. It was the royal banner of the Emperor Constantine, which was made of purple silk embroidered with gold. This banner hung down from a crosspiece. Flags with one end flying free from a vertical staff are believed to have been used first by the Saracens, during the Middle Ages. Many of the Crusaders carried flags. |
