The Austrian flag is said to be among the oldest national flag designs in the world. According to legend the flag was invented by Duke Leopold V of Austria (1157-1194) while he was involved in a fierce battle during the Crusades. After the Siege of Acre, his white battledress was completely drenched in blood, but when he removed his belt the cloth underneath was untouched by it. So taken was he by this singular sight that he adopted the colours and scheme as his banner. However, the red and white flag did not become the national flag of Austria until 1919.
