Herald. In ancient times, direct communication between a ruler and the people was often impossible. The rulers used special officials, called heralds, to deliver messages and orders, and to announce decisions and events. In the Middle Ages, heralds became personal agents for the king and enjoyed great honor. It was a crime to interfere with their work or to harm them.
Medieval heralds became authorities on the emblems and designs used on the shields and clothing of nobles in battle. They supervised the selection of new designs to prevent duplication and to make sure that people did not claim ancestry to which they were not entitled.
