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History of Monaco
From antiquity to the modern era — the historical eras, key events, and narrative that shaped Monaco.
Overview
In July 1918, a treaty was signed providing for limited French protection over Monaco. The treaty, formally noted in the Treaty of Versailles, established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French political, military, and economic interests.
A new constitution, proclaimed in 1962, abolished capital punishment, provided for female suffrage, and established a Supreme Court to guarantee fundamental liberties.
In 1993, Monaco became an official member of the United Nations with full voting rights. It joined the Council of Europe in 2004.
Prince Albert II acceded to the throne following the death of his father, Prince Rainier III, in April 2005.
Historical Eras
The major periods of {country}’s history at a glance.
Ancient & Genoese Roots
500 BCE – 1297
Ligurian tribes inhabited the rocky promontory before Phoenician and Greek traders established outposts. Genoa formally claimed sovereignty over the area in 1162, using the strategic port as a Mediterranean foothold. Civil conflict between Guelf and Ghibelline factions in Genoa ultimately set the stage for the Grimaldi family's dramatic seizure of power.
Grimaldi Lordship
1297 – 1633
In 1297, François Grimaldi captured Monaco's fortress disguised as a Franciscan monk, founding a dynasty that endures to this day. Charles Grimaldi consolidated Guelf control by 1331, and the family expanded its domain to include Menton and Roquebrune by 1346. Monaco navigated shifting alliances between Savoy, France, and Spain, receiving formal recognition of its lordship from the French crown in 1512.
Principality & Spanish Alliance
1633 – 1793
The Spanish Chancellery officially recognized the title of Prince of Monaco in 1633, elevating the Grimaldis to sovereign princely status within the European order. Subsequent decades saw a gradual reorientation toward France, and by 1641 the Treaty of Péronne placed Monaco under French protection. The principality functioned as an absolute monarchy under successive Grimaldi princes until the upheaval of the French Revolution.
French Revolution & Sardinian Protectorate
1793 – 1861
The French Revolutionary government deposed the Grimaldis in 1793 and annexed Monaco, incorporating it into the département of Alpes-Maritimes. The fall of Napoleon restored the dynasty in 1814, but the Congress of Vienna placed Monaco under Sardinian protection until 1860. The Franco-Monegasque Treaty of 1861 finally restored full sovereignty, though Monaco ceded Menton and Roquebrune to France in the process.
Belle Époque & Constitutional Reform
1861 – 1962
The opening of the Société des Bains de Mer casino in 1865 and the arrival of the railway transformed Monaco into a celebrated resort destination for European aristocracy and tourists alike. Prince Albert I earned international renown as an oceanographic pioneer, while a constitution promulgated in 1911 curtailed absolute princely rule. A 1918 treaty formally aligned Monegasque policy with French political and military interests, a provision acknowledged in the Treaty of Versailles.
Modern Monaco
1962 – present
A landmark constitution in 1962 abolished capital punishment, introduced female suffrage, and established a Supreme Court to protect civil liberties. Monaco gained full United Nations membership in 1993 and joined the Council of Europe in 2004, cementing its standing as a fully sovereign micro-state. Prince Albert II, who acceded to the throne in 2005 following the death of his father Rainier III, has steered the principality toward environmental advocacy and continued economic diversification.
Timeline Preview
The first 7 key events. View the full chronology on the timeline page.
500
A Ligurian tribe inhabited the area.
In the sixth century B.C. a Ligurian tribe inhabited the area leaving behind their name to what would become Monaco. Following the Phoenician era, the Romans occupied this region from the second century B.C. to the fifth century A.D. They named the harbor Portus Herculis Monoeci. Beginning in the sixth century through the end of the tenth century, the area witnessed numerous invasions. It wasn’t until 975 that the Count of Provence succeeded in driving out the Sarrasins, marking the beginning of a new era.
1162
Genoa’s rule
Emperor Frederic Barberousse 1st extended Genoa’s rule on the Ligurian coast, from Port Venere to Monaco. In 1191 Emperor Henry VI conceded Monaco’s Rocher, the port and neighboring land to Genoa. The Genovese set up their own colony on the Rocher and in 1215 build a fortress marking the western most border of their republic.
1270
Civil war broke out in Genoa between the Guelf families.
Civil war broke out in Genoa between the Guelf families, supporters of the Pope, and the Ghibelines, supporters of the Roman-Germanic Emperor. When the Ghibelines claimed victory, the Guelfs, which included the Grimaldis, went into exile. By sheer perseverance, the powerful Guelfs were to later change the course of history by seizing the Rocher and putting down permanent roots.
1297
François Grimaldi overtook Monaco’s fortress.
François Grimaldi, known as “Malizia”, overtook Monaco’s fortress in response to the exile imposed upon the Guelfs.
1331
Charles Grimaldi, head of the Guelfs, installed himself on the Rocher.
Charles Grimaldi, head of the Guelfs, installed himself on the Rocher. In 1342 he took the title of "Lord of Monaco”.
1346
Grimaldis acquired the lordships and feifdoms from Menton to Roquebrune.
In 1346 and 1355 the Grimaldis acquired the lordships and feifdoms from Menton to Roquebrune. The Principality was comprised of these lordships, together with Monaco, from 1633 to 1861.
1494
Rights of succession in the House of Monaco for the next five centuries
Before dying in 1454, Jean 1st made provisions in his will which laid down the rights of succession in the House of Monaco for the next five centuries. He decreed that rule would pass to the first born male. In the case that no son was produced, title could pass to a daughter on condition that her heirs take the Grimaldi name.