Flag of Austria
The Flag of Austria has three equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red.
The flag was adopted by Friedrich II., der Streitbare, the last Babenberg as Duke of Austria in the 13th century.
According to legend, Duke Leopold V. of Austria (1157-1194) was involved in a fierce battle during the Crusades. After the battle of Acre his white battledress was completely drenched in blood. When he removed his belt the cloth underneath was untouched by the blood. So taken was he by the singular sight he adopted the colours and scheme as his banner.
In reality it was Duke Frederick II. of Austria (1210-1246) who sought greater independence from the Roman Emperor. To this end he had a new coat of arms designed - a red field with a silver fess. The oldest source for the new flag is contained in a seal kept in the monastery of Lilienfeld (Lower Austria) dated 30 November 1230.
Together with the Danish flag the Austrian flag is said to be among the oldest national flag designs in the world.
External links
- Flags of the World: Austria (http://atlasgeo.span.ch/fotw/flags/at.html)
- The Symbols of Austria (http://peter-diem.at/default_e.htm)
| National flags |
| List of national flags | Gallery of national flags |
| List of national coats of arms |
de:Flagge Österreichs
et:Austria lipp
fr:Drapeau de l'Autriche
it:Bandiera austriaca
he:דגל אוסטריה
ja:オーストリアの国旗
pt:Bandeira da Áustria
ro:Steagul Austriei
Categories: Austria | National flags