The "Eight Banners" were a military and administrative organization used by the Manchu rulers of the Qing Dynasty in China. Established in the 17th century, each banner represented a different group of soldiers and their families, serving as both a military unit and a social structure. The banners were color-coded and played a crucial role in the Qing's conquest of China and the maintenance of their rule. Each of the eight banners was divided into several companies, which included both Manchu and Mongol soldiers. The system helped the Qing Dynasty manage its diverse population and maintain loyalty among its troops. Over time, the importance of the Eight Banners diminished, but they remain a significant aspect of Chinese history.