The World’s Oldest Known Flag

This record is going to prove to be hard to beat. The metal flag, known as the Shahdad Flag, is about 5,000 years old. It was found in 1971 by a team of archaeologists working at Dasht-e Lut in the Khabis region of eastern Iran.

Mounted on a 1.09 meter (40 inches) long metal pole, the flag itself measures approximately 22 centimeters by 24 centimeters (about 9" x 9"). A perching eagle adorns one end of the pole.

The engraving on the flag feature a woman standing behind sitting goddess. Other figures include three women, two lions with a long-horned cow standing between them. There is a garden featuring two palm trees, and another palm tree was placed beneath the feet of the three women. A flower-shaped motif located between the goddess and the three women is believed to represent the sun while twisted patterns have been interpreted as flowing water. Taken all together, the designs carved into the flag seem to represent an idyllic landscape
.
The flag is surrounded by a thick metal frame with two moving metal hooks.

The flag is currently thought to be under repair. It is reported that once it is restored it will be placed on display, although there is currently no information on when or where it will be housed.

Two other brass plates were also found at the site. These plates were decorated with depictions of fish and deer. Experts point out that the techniques used in creating the flag and the brass plates were highly advanced and are fine examples of the metalwork produced in the Khabis region.