The first brand in the history of mankind

Do you know one of the first brands in history of mankind? No idea? You probably know it.
I know it is a bit unconventional. But in my eyes it is the catholic church!

Maybe the product is not that well-defined. But the corporote identity for sure.

They have their own corporate sound: The chiming bell
Their corporate instrument: The organ
Their corpore design which includes
  - their logo: The cross
  - their corporate clothes: The robes
  - their corporate buildings: Their cathetrals and churches

Their corporate slogan: Amen!

Their corporate behavouir: The Lord's Prayer

Their mission statement: The bible

and of course their own Testimonial: Jesus Christus

I am sure you could find more parts of the corporate identity if you think about it.

Even if the church never tried to build up a brand with modern marketing instruments, they did. They have probably still the worlds most famous corporate logo.
The case of the church shows how important it was and still is to build up an holistic corporate identity.
It proofs also that marketing is not an invention of the time of industrialization. Since its early beginnings, mankind believs in pictures, logos and rituals.

Cheers
Niklas Dorn