three 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