Latin Empire of Constantinople, 1273

The Arms of the Latin Empire, attributed to the reign of Philip I, who held the title of Latin Emperor of Constantinople from 1273–1283. The Latin Empire of Constantinople, a feudal Crusader state, had been established after crusaders had seized lands from the Byzantine Empire in 1204 but effectively lasted until 1261. It features, on red, yellow crosses, the symbols of Victory. Constantine I was supposed to have seen this cross before his battle at Saxa Rubra (Milvian Bridge), with the message “in this sign you will conquer”. Constantine won the battle. It also represents the bright cross, believed to appear in the sky at the end of the World (Matthew 24:30).