Greek heraldry


Greek heraldry, though not as developed as in other countries, has an interesting history by drawing upon its Byzantine heritage and influences from the various western powers that have occupied Greek lands. Heraldry is therefore seen as a foreign concept, and is widespread mostly in the Ionian and Aegean Islands and among the families of Phanariot origin
Ancient Greeks were among the first civilizations to use symbols consistently in order to identify a warrior, clan or a state. In Aeschylus’ tragedy "Seven Against Thebes" there is the first record of a shield blazon.