Flags of the Byzantine Empire

For most of its history, the Byzantine Empire (Eastern Empire) did not known or use heraldry in the West-European sense of permanent motifs transmitted through hereditary right o as a national or state symbol.

The most know symbol, the single-headed Roman imperial eagle was continued to be used in Byzantium, although far more rarely.

However, this has not stopped several ATL, video games and others to create flags and heraldry for an alternate Byzantine Empire. Here are some examples that can be used or inspire designs.

National Flags

The flag of the late Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty, as depicted in the Catalan Atlas of 1375.

The flag of the late Byzantine Empire under the Palaiologos dynasty, as depicted in the Catalan Atlas of 1375.

The Byzantine imperial ensign, as depicted in the 14th-century Castilian Book of All Kingdoms, and described in the Treatise on Offices by the mid 14th-century Byzantine writer Pseudo-Kodinos as being hoisted on imperial naval vessels.

Byzantine Navy Flag

The alleged arms of the Komnenos [Comnenus] family under Isaac I Komnenos (1057-1059).

a Republic of Byzantine

Byzantine Republic (Easternized World)

Republic of Byzantium (Differently)

Flag of the Byzantine Military

Byzantine Navy Flag

Red flag with Chi Rho attributed to the Byzantine (Eastern Roman) Empire

Arms of the Palaiologos family in use before the ascent of Michael VIII

11th century state banner

The Byzantine Emperor's personal banner

Byzantine banner according to the Chronicle of John Skylitzes