Nothing but pictures of fantasy stuff show up on Google searches.
I'm trying to recreate historically accurate flags both of the Crusades and Knights Templar, as well as Knights Templar garb.
Factoring in archeological finds of flags and garb, what did they look like? Has anyone taken pictures of what they have found?
If anyone could post pictures of real archeological finds from the Crusades and Knights Templar, I'd really appreciate it.
You should look up the crusader images in the Winchester Bible. It has many depictions of crusader and some of their shields can be seen. It was also created during the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem.
Also, I think Saint Bernard discusses the dress of the Templars in his book "In Praise of New Knighthood." But I am not positive about that.
Finally, I would look into the writing of Dr. Jaroslav Folda. He has multiple books on the art of the crusader states. I know the cover of one of his books contains a crusader with a red cross on his chest. This source will help if you are looking for visual primary sources.
I am excited to see what people post on here.
Total amateur here, with some previous interest in the Crusades. From Runciman, A History of the Crusade Vol. 2.
The distinctive badge of the Knights Hospitaller was the white cross they wore on their tunics over their armour.
On the Templars:
Their badge was the red cross, worn on a white tunic by the knights and on black by the sergeants.
Hope that helps somewhat - Runciman is getting a bit long in the tooth, so his work may well have been superseded by now.
I think he is responding to specific complaints from individuals throughout Christendom.
I would look into the art produced during the era, and then compare the text to the image.