Heraldry is the system of visual identification of rank and pedigree which developed in the European High Middle Ages. It was closely associated with the courtly culture of chivalry, Latin Christianit
Depiction of a late medieval knightly tournament from King René's Tournament Book (1460s). The two teams stand ready, each side has 24 knights, all with heraldic surcoats and caparisons, and each accompanied by a banner-bearer with a heraldic flag. There is a central spectators' box for the four judges, where the heraldic shields of the competitors are displayed, the two teams being led by the dukes of Brittany and Bourbon, respectively, and one spectator box on each side for the ladies; inscribed over the boxes is
Drawing of the equestrian seal of Theobald III, Count of Blois, dated 1138. Traces of an ornamental cross design are visible on the shield.