Examining captured military colours

[Micael]

One of the largest collections in the world of military colours exist in Sweden. Thousands of them mainly captured on the battlefield during the Swedish empire era. Now a research project launched by scientists at the University of Gothenburg are in the process of taking essentially forensic samples from the colours. They hope that these will reveal additional details of the battles of the day, through analysis of blood and soil remains believed to be present.

An interesting approach, I hope that the results will likewise be interesting.

Below is a photo showing samples being taken from a set of colours believed to have been captured from imperial troops at the Battle of Lützen in 1632.

[Belushi TD]

One more reason that Sweden rocks!

Sweden is now my favorite foreign country!

Belushi TD

[Micael]

One more reason that Sweden rocks!

Sweden is now my favorite foreign country!

Belushi TD

I appreciate the sentiment!

[Sukhoiman]

If I am not mistaken, that's a Spanish flag in the pic?

[Micael]

If I am not mistaken, that's a Spanish flag in the pic?

I’m not great with identifying these 17th century colours so I can’t say either way.

[Johnnie Lyle]

If I am not mistaken, that's a Spanish flag in the pic?

I’m not great with identifying these 17th century colours so I can’t say either way.

It’s the Burgundian Cross, which is traditionally Spanish, but was a Habsburg symbol going back to Charles V. The Spanish Habsburgs used it before they bred themselves out, and then the Bourbons maintained using it (and trying to breed themselves out), but it wasn’t exclusive to them and Spain. Wallenstein’s army has used it on various flags, so it fits that a flag taken at Lutzen would carry it.

[Sukhoiman]

Thx Johnnie!