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Where did flags likely first originate in ancient history?

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flag shapes — flag Various shapes of flags: (from left) rectangle (Algeria), square (Switzerland), pennant (Nepal), swallowtail (Ohio, U.S.).

Flags that are recognizable as such were almost certainly invented by the ancient peoples of the Indian subcontinent or what is now China.1

In ancient China, historical accounts suggest that the founder of the Zhou dynasty (1046–256 bce) utilized a white flag, and these standards were commonly carried on chariots or displayed on the walls of captured cities. Similarly, in ancient India, flags were of great importance in battle, often carried on elephants and chariots; they were typically triangular and featured scarlet or green fabric with gold embroidery.1

While some theories suggest these flags may have evolved from the solid metal standards used in ancient Egypt and Assyria—potentially developing from streamers attached to those poles—the specific invention of the flag as a recognizable textile device is most strongly attributed to the ancient cultures of India and China.1