The earliest recorded flags in Japan date from the unification period in the late 16th century. The flags belonged to each "daimyō" and were used primarily in battle. Most of the flags were long banners usually charged with the mon (family crest) of the "daimyō" lord. Members of the same family, such as a son, father, and brother, had different flags to carry into battle. The flags served as identification, and were displayed by soldiers on their backs and horses. Generals also had their own flags, most of which differed from soldiers' flags due to their square shape.