Flags of The Crusades

By Crusader1307

Beginning in 1146 AD and lasting until 1149, The 2nd Crusades was a "Holy War" against Muslim influence and Religion. With the Fall of The County of Edens a  (present day Turkey) to Muslim Forces, this major Administrative Branch of Christian influence was established as a result of The 1st Crusades. As a result, Edessa was seen as important as Jerusalem. Pope Eugene III in Rome recruited 20,000 Soldiers to "take up The Cross". As a result, the top 5 Kingdoms that sent men were England, France, Brittany, Italy and Flanders. They all used a standardized Banner to identify all non-Military Religious Orders. Two version were known to exist. A "Pennant" Type, which could be from 12 X 12-inches in height and width, to a "Battlefield" Version ranging from 5 X 5 to 8 x 8 feet. Traditionally blessed by a Priest, Crusading Banners all featured a form of "The Cross of St. George" in their motif. The 5 Flags are described as follows:

THE FLAG OF BRITTANY:
A squared Banner of a Solid White Field (The Color of God). A Black "George Cross" was centered and extended to all corners, creating 4 Cantons.

THE FLAG OF FRANCE:
Squared Banner of a Solid White Field, with a Red "George Cross", centered and extending to all sides, creating 4 Cantons.

THE FLAG OF ENGLAND:
Squared Banner of a Solid Red Field, with a centered White "George Cross" extending to all sides, creating 4 Cantons.

THE FLAG OF FLANDERS:
A squared Field of White, with Green "George Cross" centered, extending to all sides to create 4 Cantons.

THE FLAG OF ITALY:
Considered a "favored" Banner due to Rome's complete control at the tine, The Italian Crusading Banners was a White Field, with a Yellow "George Cross" centered and creating 4 Cantons.