The Austrian flag features a horizontal white stripe on a red background. Austria shares with Denmark the distinction of having one of the world's oldest flags. However, Austria has not continuously used its flag throughout history. The flag, as it is seen today, was officially adopted in 1919. The choice of colors is said to originate from a bloody tale involving Duke Leopold V of Austria (1157-1194). After the Battle of Acre, he was covered in blood, but when he removed his belt, a white stripe was revealed where the belt had been.