Greek heraldry

Greek heraldry, though not as developed as in other countries, has a rather interesting history in and of itself by drawing upon it 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 (former Venetian and Genoese possessions) 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.

The Greek Heraldry Society

Goals The Greek Heraldry Society^[1] is a social and cultural non profit organization established in 2009. Their main goal is to contribute to the increasing interest in the Hellenic heraldic history, Byzantine Etiquette and ultimately to provide its members with a forum to pursue matters of common interest.

Accomplishments The Greek Heraldry Society has posted numerous articles and coat of arms of old Greek families never seen in colour before along with genealogy interest information over the last two years. Most have been sponsored solely by Greek Heraldry Society while other have been held in cooperation with other societies and organizations.

Activities Greek Heraldry Society sponsors or organizes educational programs or events each year, from lectures on very specific genealogical or heraldry interest topics related to Greece with the main purpose to project the history and culture, while it is constantly researching genealogical profiles. In the near future their aim is to sponsors annual social gatherings to bring its members together, from across the world.

See also

• The Greek Royal Heraldry 1863-1967
• Byzantine heraldry

References