Flamel

The Flamel refers to the mystical and alchemical symbol depicted as a cross with a snake or serpent draped about it, a crown and wings above. Its origins may be traced back to such symbols as the Rod of Asclepius (the ancient Greek sign of medicine), the Caduceus (the ancient Greek sign of wealth) and/or the Serpent Cross (a sign signifying victory over the devil), but regardless of its true meaning, it is one of the symbols attributed to the ancient professed French alchemist, Nicolas Flamel.

In the Fullmetal Alchemist series, the Flamel symbol is the mark depicted on the back of Edward Elric's trademark red coat and on the left shoulder of Alphonse Elric's armor body. Though the manga does not explicitly explain the true meaning of the mark to the Elrics, their alchemy teacher, Izumi Curtis has the mark tattooed on her left collarbone.

In the 2003 anime series, Izumi states that the mark is that of her alchemy teacher, Dante.