Heraldry in the Renaissance EraHeraldry in the Middle Ages was special because symbolic designs, also called insignia, were passed down from each generation to the next. Around the beginning of the 12th century, the Song dynasty in China brought prosperity to the country, teaching at Oxford University began, and the First Crusade to reconquer Jerusalem proved successful. As the 12th century kicks in, China begins to assemble books, the first prisoner in the Tower of London escapes, and the Second Crusade, which ends with the army surrendering, begins. Amidst the chaos, heraldry was formed. Heraldry represented the family and qualities of a knight and was one of the best symbols of medieval and Renaissance times. The origin of heraldry dates back to the Crusades, when knights began using designs they saw used by Arab and Byzantine soldiers. At first, only kings and other nobles used heraldic symbols called “coats of arms”. Eventually, knights and lesser nobility began to use heraldic symbols, creating their own var....