Why does The coat of arms of so many European countries have the symbol of the lion on them? Did they adopt the symbol at the same time or did countries copy their neighbours? Or do the countries with similar symbols have a shared history? | AskHistorians Archive Observer

Why does The coat of arms of so many European countries have the symbol of the lion on them? Did they adopt the symbol at the same time or did countries copy their neighbours? Or do the countries with similar symbols have a shared history?

by killagorilla91

jschooltiger

This gets asked here a bunch. Here's an answer and a collection of links on lions in heraldry.