Chapter 12: The Rise of Medieval Europe "Heraldry" Introduction      You have learned that in battle and in tournaments knights wore suits of armor in an effort to protect all parts of their bodies. To identify themselves, knights had individual designs painted on their shields and tunics. These designs became known as the knight's coat of arms. Destination Title: Heraldry Web site Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Heraldry Web site. Scroll down the Web page, reading and analyzing the information about coats of arms. Answer the following questions. 1. Beginning in the fifteenth century, why were knights no longer free to choose their own designs for coats of arms? 2. What was the Herald's College? 3. What was impaling? 4. Based on what you read, do you think it is appropriate for American families to use coats of arms originally granted in other countries? Should Americans be able to develop their own coats of arms? Why or why not?