Flax was originally cultivated in ancient Egypt, where it was used to make clothing, mummy headbands and sails. Egyptian weavers were able to weave very fine and high quality linen cloth, which was considered a symbol of wealth and high social standing. As trade spread, flax became popular in other parts of the world, including ancient Greece and the Roman Empire. During the Middle Ages, flax became a major crop in Europe, especially in countries with mild climates such as France, the Netherlands and Belgium. It was in these countries that the tradition of producing linen fabrics originated, which continues to this day. Linen yarn was considered the basis for the production of durable fabrics that were used for both clothing and household purposes.