Which medieval organisation had the 'skull and crossbones' as a flag on their ships in the Middle Ages?
Skull and crossbones (symbol) been used for military flags or insignia and as a warning of the ferocity of the unit displaying it. It became associated with piracy from the 14th century onwards, possibly even earlier. By the 15th century, the symbol had developed into its familiar form. The Knights Templar organisation, active from the 12th century until their demise in 1307, adopted a skull-and-crossbones flag to identify ships belonging to their vast fleet. The skull and crossbones as a pirate's flag could well predate the Knights Templar The symbol came to be used to mark the entrances of many graveyards, particularly Spanish cemeteries
Skull and crossbones (symbol) Skull and crossbones (symbol) A skull and crossbones is a symbol consisting of a human skull and two long bones crossed together under or behind the skull. The design originates in the Late Middle Ages as a symbol of death and especially as a "memento mori" on tombstones. In modern contexts, it is generally used as a hazard symbol that warns of danger, usually in regard to poisonous substances, such as deadly chemicals. Unicode uses for the symbol. The symbol is an ancient one, becoming widespread with the medieval "Danse Macabre" symbolism. From at least the 12th century, it has