The concept of coastal bioshields, though increasingly recognized in modern climate adaptation and coastal management discourse, has deep historical roots embedded in traditional ecological knowledge and cultural practices. This chapter traces the evolution of vegetative coastal protection from ancient to contemporary times, illustrating how societies across Asia and beyond have long relied on mangroves, dunes, and other coastal forests as natural barriers against storm surges, erosion, and flooding. Early civilizations in India, Vietnam, China, and Japan integrated coastal vegetation into settlement planning and spiritual traditions, while indigenous communities in the Pacific Islands managed vegetated shorelines through customary law. The colonial and industrial periods marked a shift toward engineered coastal infrastructure, leading to widespread degradation of natural bioshields. However, renewed scientific understanding in the twentieth century—particularly following major disasters such as the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami—reaffirmed the ecological and protective functions of these systems. The chapter highlights key historical turning points, from indigenous management to post-war rehabilitation and contemporary ecosystem-based adaptation policies. By synthesizing ecological, cultural, and policy histories, it emphasizes that bioshields are not a novel innovation but a revival of ancient, place-based knowledge reinforced by modern science. Understanding these historical trajectories is crucial for designing effective, culturally appropriate, and sustainable bioshield strategies in the face of escalating coastal hazards.