Medieval and Manuscripts

Cross of Saint James

The Cross of Saint James, also known as the Santiago cross, cruz espada, or Saint James' Cross, is a cruciform (cross-shaped) heraldic badge. The cross, shaped as a cross fitchy, combines with either a cross fleury or a cross moline. Its most common version is a red cross resembling a sword, with the hilt and the arm in the shape of a fleur-de-lis. The cross gets its name from James the Greater and the account of his appearance at the mythical Battle of Clavijo in the Spanish victory over the Moors. It is used throughout Spain and Portugal.

Also on this shelf

See also

• ▸Bavarian State Library
• ▸Divergent evolution
• ▸Abbey

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