When genealogy first came into existence its main purpose was to determine whether or not an individual was genuinely descended from aristocracy and thus entitled to the power and privilege that went along with it. Coat of arms, which are official symbols of a family emblazoned on a shield, were created and signified ancestry and eminence.

 

Genealogy has been in practice for thousands of years. Ancestry was initially passed along by word-of-mouth until people learned how to write. The people of ancient Greece and Rome often professed divine ancestry while others frequently said their ascendants were members of the animal kingdom. Genealogy prospered from A.D. 476 to 1453 due to the evolution of  the social system that emerged in Europe during the 8^th century, which made social standing and inheritance subject to lineage. This practice is still evident today in countries such as England. In some cases, genealogy is also used to trace the lineage of individuals seeking to gain membership into certain organizations and religious fellowships.