The world of international relations is murky indeed.  Even countries in opposition to one another, like China and the United States, find themselves linked together by the forces of economic cooperation.  What benefits my country can often be of vital importance to the economy of your country, and vice-versa.  When you start examining the history of certain regions and nations?  The picture gets as confusing and murky as the forgotten flags of the world.

I have to admit to being a huge history nerd.  As a kid, I actually read old history and social studies textbooks for fun.  So things like these unusual-looking historic flags just tickles me in a way that nobody else will share (except for people who majored in medieval history in college).

Some of these riotous designs just make me wonder why someone thought a flag needed to be covered with so much junk!  Symbols and patterns and golden bugs and all kinds of random craziness.  Keep it simple, stupid!

Tags: flags, former countries, retired flags, unusual flags, historical flags

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