Interesting information about flags and banners:

Flags have been around since the beginnings of organized communities and society. In all political systems, flags and crests are important symbols of national sovereignty, serving as distinguishing features. While we do not know whether it was in Egypt, China, or Mesopotamia that the first flags and pennants were on display, archeological finds from the Hittite era in Iraq prove that temples used to be adorned with pennants in worship of the gods. Pennants were also found in nomad graves, from the Black Sea to China.

Ancient Greeks and Romans used flags to designate individual military units. The root of the term “vexillology” – the study of flags and banners is derived from the Latin word “vexillum” – flag, later used as pennant for the cavalry.

Mediterranean seamen used flags to distinguish and identify their vessels, and by the late 13th century, a strict set of rules regulated the use of flags on vessels belongigng to the Hanseatic League.

Yet it wasn’t until the French Revolution, where a whole people rose up against their king, following the tricolor banner, that a flag gained significance as a national symbol. Other people followed the French example and united under a flag, demonstrating communalities and national pride.

Thus, the flag became a symbol of unity, freedom, and independence for peoples and nations.