When did Flags become the dominant standard in the world.

by franktrainjr

My understanding is that the ancients almost never used cloth flags but all of Europe was using them by the 16th century. What is the history there?

Searocksandtrees

hi! this question might be a job for flag-obsessed /r/vexillology, but several people in this sub have taken a crack at related questions - see these for previous responses