Heraldry In Medieval Times Heraldry played a very dramatic role in medieval history. Heraldic arms signified and defined your families stature in the community and country. It was a symbol of family pride that could not be argued and gave the bearer a link to his ancestral family. It was also necessary in the often violent and war filled medieval era. Coats of arms were used as identification in war and travel. This made it easier to distinguish between friend or foe. The arms also serve as a subtle but constant reminder to descendants who bear them of their continuing responsibility to lead righteous and honorable lives. By doing this they endow