The Chinese used the kites mainly as playthings. However, early kites were also used for military purposes. Large kites were strong enough to carry people up in the air to observe enemy movements. In the Polynesian islands, fishermen have used kites for the past 2,500 years. They tie pieces of shark to a kite's tail. The shark serves as bait to catch fish. Also in ancient times, Roman soldiers used the kite as a military banner