* Ancient Mesopotamia: They used a six-pointed star to represent the goddess Ishtar, associated with love and fertility.
* Medieval Europe: Stars were often used as symbols of quality, particularly in guilds and workshops.
* Early 20th Century: The first use of a five-star system for hotels is often attributed to Mobil Travel Guide in the 1920s.
* Mid-20th Century: The Michelin Guide (France) started using stars to rate restaurants in the 1930s, with three stars being the highest.
* Modern Usage: The five-star system became widely adopted for various purposes, including hotels, restaurants, movies, and apps.
Therefore, the five-star system is a product of cultural evolution rather than a single invention.