For example, there are lions on the coat of arms of Britain or Norway, but there are no lions there.
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Lions did live in Europe until the 10th century CE, but let’s skip over that.
Lions are a symbol of ferocity and royalty. *The king of the jungle.* They have sexual dimorphism, as well, leading them to be used symbolically in different ways, whether depicted as a male or female. They are imposing figures in person and have always inspired awe and fear in those who have beheld them.
Lions in heraldry probably date back to their African origin, wherein most Bantu languages use the word *lion* synonymously with *king*. For example, the opening to **The Lion King**, begins with the cry “Nants inGonyama bagiti baba!”, Zulu for “Look, father, here comes a [lion/king]!” Some variation of the word *nGonyama* is present in most Bantu languages referring to both a lion and a leader, and has even been used as a proper title for royalty on the continent, such as the current king of the Zulu nation, nGonyama Misuzulu Sinqobile kaZwelithini.
When the Roman empire expanded itself into Africa and Greece after the Macedonian wars around 146 BCE, lions were captured by traders and brought to market and as tribute to rulers. Word of this spread all across Europe, and initially, they were believed to be mythical creatures. Their depiction in heraldry began before anyone drawing lions in western Europe had ever seen one; there was no photography. Also, people back then *just couldn’t draw that well*. This is why they look so inaccurate on crests and flags.
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