Decorations and medals have a deep-rooted history. The ancient Greeks awarded a gold button for gallantry in the field. The Romans crowned outstanding soldiers with oak and laurel wreaths. During the Middle Ages, heroism and services were sometimes recognized by gifts of swords or grants of land.
希臘戰士若立有軍功，常能獲皇帝頒贈金質獎牌；羅馬皇帝則以桂冠贈予傑出的官兵；中國的君王也常把寶劍、土地或金銀財寶，贈給有功的文武官員。