Adopted in 1918; The flag of Austria has equal horizontal bands of red (top), white, and red. The flag design is certainly one of the oldest, if not the oldest, national banners in the world. According to tradition, in 1191, following a fierce battle in the Third Crusade, Duke Leopold V of Austria's white tunic became completely blood-spattered. Upon removal of his wide belt or sash, a white band was revealed; the red-white-red color combination was subsequently adopted as his banner.