The Ancient Roots of Branding: Uncovering the Hidden History of Identification

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1. Burning as a form of identification: The earliest known form of burning was used to brand livestock, where hot metal was seared into the animal's side to create a logo or symbol.
2. Magical effect: The symbols had a perceived magical effect, where recognizing a brand on a cow could influence behavior or decision-making.
3. Social implications: The brand on a cow served as a way to establish connections or rivalries between individuals. Recognizing a neighbor's cow could lead to friendship or loyalty, while not recognizing it (and therefore not caring) could lead to isolation or conflict.
4. Loss of livestock: If a cow went unbranded or its brand was unknown, it might be left to wander, potentially leading to its downfall and consumption as a food source.
5. Early form of ownership and loyalty: The branding of livestock suggests an early form of ownership and loyalty, where individuals claimed ownership and identity through distinctive marks on their animals.

Source: Where Brand Comes From, Alex Hormozi