From the earliest prehistoric times and Antiquity, the Rock of Monaco and its natural harbor served as a refuge for primitive populations, then navigators who had sailed from the East. It was in the 6th century BC that a Ligurian tribe which had settled in the region gave Monaco its name.
Monaco's recorded history began in 1215 when the Ghibellines of Genoa, led by Fulco del Cassello, colonized it after receiving sovereignty over the area from Emperor Henry VI. Attracted by Monaco's strategic location and harbor, the Genoese immediately began to construct a fortress, known as the Rock of Monaco, and a walled city. To attract permanent residents, the Genoese granted land and tax exemptions. As a result, Monaco quickly became an important city and over the next three centuries was frequently contested by rival political factions.
After being independent for 800 years, Monaco was annexed to France in 1793 and placed under Sardinia's protection in 1815. By the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861, Monaco went under French guardianship but continued to be independent. A treaty made with France in 1918 contained a clause providing that, in the event that the male Grimaldi dynasty should die out, Monaco would become an autonomous state under French protection.
The Monaco flag was adopted on April 4, 1881, making it one of the world's oldest flags. Monaco gained independence from Italy on January 8, 1297, when the territory was acquired by the house of Grimaldi, a family of Italian origin, who established it as a principality.
The complex princely coat of arms, whose chief design elements date back hundreds of years, is represented in full on a white flag for display on government buildings. The shield in the princely arms, from which the livery colors are derived, consists of alternating red and white lozenges, or diamonds. As is the case with many heraldic devices, the original meaning of the lozenges is not clear.
The only difference can be found on the length of the two flags. The flag of Monaco can also be similarly associated to that of Singapore, Poland and Thuringia, which is also a state in Germany. This flag is considered to be one of the oldest flags in the world. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Monaco Flag for the future.
Monaco's recorded history began in 1215 when the Ghibellines of Genoa, led by Fulco del Cassello, colonized it after receiving sovereignty over the area from Emperor Henry VI. Attracted by Monaco's strategic location and harbor, the Genoese immediately began to construct a fortress, known as the Rock of Monaco, and a walled city. To attract permanent residents, the Genoese granted land and tax exemptions. As a result, Monaco quickly became an important city and over the next three centuries was frequently contested by rival political factions.
After being independent for 800 years, Monaco was annexed to France in 1793 and placed under Sardinia's protection in 1815. By the Franco-Monegasque treaty of 1861, Monaco went under French guardianship but continued to be independent. A treaty made with France in 1918 contained a clause providing that, in the event that the male Grimaldi dynasty should die out, Monaco would become an autonomous state under French protection.
The Monaco flag was adopted on April 4, 1881, making it one of the world's oldest flags. Monaco gained independence from Italy on January 8, 1297, when the territory was acquired by the house of Grimaldi, a family of Italian origin, who established it as a principality.
The complex princely coat of arms, whose chief design elements date back hundreds of years, is represented in full on a white flag for display on government buildings. The shield in the princely arms, from which the livery colors are derived, consists of alternating red and white lozenges, or diamonds. As is the case with many heraldic devices, the original meaning of the lozenges is not clear.
The only difference can be found on the length of the two flags. The flag of Monaco can also be similarly associated to that of Singapore, Poland and Thuringia, which is also a state in Germany. This flag is considered to be one of the oldest flags in the world. The Flag Company Inc specialized in flag designs offered a special edition of decals and flags to memorize the history of Monaco Flag for the future.