Heralds are the messengers of power

Brightly dressed heralds are an indispensable attribute of medieval genre paintings and scenes. But the history of this profession began long before our era. It is precisely established that the first heralds were already in Ancient Greece. But the duties of such professionals in those days were somewhat different ...

Ancient Greek Heralds

Strangely enough, the first representatives of this profession are known to us from Ancient Greece. In this country they participated in many activities. So, one of the most honorable professions was heralds. They are representatives of other states. They performed various diplomatic functions. In addition, there were city heralds - honorary guests and distributors of various decrees and news. Finally, the lowest part of the herald class played the role of barkers and advertising agents at fairs and squares in front of the traders' benches. The distinction that the ancient heralds possessed was a special caduceus, which was also the symbol of the god of Mercury.

In the Middle Ages

A somewhat different occupation awaited the heralds in the Middle Ages. The first mention of them is associated with the era of the Crusades. Since the public in the campaigns was mixed, noble aristocrats sought to isolate themselves from the crowd, to emphasize their generosity and wealth. For this, the nobles needed the distinctive signs with which they decorated personal property, horses and weapons. The totality of all the insignia and marked the beginning of heraldry - the science of arms and banners.

Important significance of the distinction was attached to medieval knight tournaments. And here again there are already known to us heralds (or heralds). At first the heralds simply remained in the retinue of their master in order to glorify and praise his exploits. But later the herald's circle of duties expanded. The Heralds watched the correctness of the tournaments, the observance of all the ceremonies. To have your own herald in the suite was only allowed to noble and rich people - after all, such a messenger should not only know the tournament etiquette, but also represent his master in all important celebrations, advertise it, as we said today. Now the heralds are well-known dignitaries, consisting of the retinue of the first state officials. They were responsible for monitoring the compilation of arms and letters, declaring peace or war, attending solemn ceremonies. Get the title of herald was possible by special order, only having distinguished himself in any battle, in a tournament or an official ceremony.

Heralds in Russia

The noble arms appeared in Russia in the late 16th century. A little later in the country there are heralds. Unlike his Western colleagues, the herald in Russia has always remained a sovereign servant, although the duties of both of them coincided in many respects. After the 18th century, this post becomes a court and in many respects decorative. Now the heralds are the court officials responsible for observing the most important official ceremonies. In 1917 this post in Russia was abolished, although in modern monarchical states the herald still exists.