Frequently Asked Questions - Part 4

The Flags Of The World FAQ

Last modified: 2005-09-24 by rob raeside
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• What does this word mean?
• What do these abbreviations mean?
• Why are these flags similar?
• What is the correct dimensions for a flag?
• How do you display a flag vertically?
• How do you hang a flag at half mast?
• Why do you show this flag?
• Where can I buy this flag?
• Why is the flag missing the coat of arms?
• What was the earliest flag?
• What is the most popular colour in all the world's flags?
• Questions about the US flag.
• Questions about the UK flag.
• Questions about other flags.
• Identification of flags based on description.
• When will I see my contribution on FOTW?

What was the earliest flag?

Early flag-like symbols (called "vexilloids") were three-dimensional symbols on a staff, made from from metal, wood or stone (also feathers, plant material etc), not from cloth. They came in a wide variety, different from culture to culture. In most cases we only have depictions of the vexilloid, without knowledge of the material. Ancient textile flags ("flags proper") are very rarely preserved, so we have not much knowledge on the material. We know, that silk played an important role in China; in Europe and adjacent areas, wool and linen were more important. The oldest preserved textile flag of an European origin is a Roman "vexillum" cloth fo