Cross of Alcoraz

The earliest documented evidence of these arms is in a rare lead-sealed decree from the chancery of Peter III of Aragon, circa 1281, most likely used as the King's Coat of arms, alluding to the spirit of the Crusades and his ancestral namesake, Peter I of Aragon.

The earliest depiction of the cross, that of the chancery seal of 1281, shows four Moors' heads with beards but no headbands (or bandages).Throughout the Middle Ages up to the 20th century, both Aragonese and international variants (viz.

This heraldic coat of arms was directly attributed to the Kingdom of Aragon from the mid 15th century and was also adopted as the royal standard of the Kingdom of Sardinia from the second half of the 15th century, when the island was a territory of the Crown of Aragon.

In the modern flag of Sardinia, the heads are facing right, and the "blindfolds" have evolved into headbands.

It is pointed out that the adoption of the so-called Cross of Alcoraz by Sardinia most likely dates back to the end of the 15th century, according to a study on the Sardinian flag by Italian author Luisa D'Arienzo.

Peter I of Aragon receiving a shield emblazoned with the Cross of Saint George . According to legend, George appeared on the field of battle at Alcoraz. The heads of four decapitated Moors found on the battlefield were added to George's familiar emblem, creating the Cross of Alcoraz (the basis for the Flag of Sardinia ).
Argent , cross of gules with four heads of Moorish kings in the quarters. Known as the "Cross of Alcoraz" (Cruz de Alcoraz). Gaspar Torres' Armorial of Aragon, 1536. Provincial Archives of Zaragoza.
Leaden seals from the decree of 1281 by Peter III of Aragon .
The original version of the Sardinian flag, showing the Moors' heads blindfolded and facing to the left.