Timeline of Monaco

Chronology

24 events spanning the history of Monaco. BCE/CE dating.

1. 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.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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”.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 1512

   Monaco’s Lordship was recognized by the Duke of Savoy, and in 1512 by the King of France.

   During the fifteenth century Monaco’s Lordship was recognized by the Duke of Savoy, and in 1512 by the King of France. All animosity with Genoa was forgotten. Lambert Grimaldi ruled Monaco from 1458 to 1494. He was appointed counselor and chamberlain to Charles VII of France. This privileged relationship with the King of France extended to Rainier 1st and Charles 1st.

9. 1524

   Alliances led future Lordships to continue a close relationship with France.

   These alliances led future Lordships to continue a close relationship with France, to fight against Naples, and to be placed under Spanish protection from 1524 to 1641. In 1641 the King of France, Louis XIII, placed the Principality definitively under French domain by way of the Péronne Treaty.

10. 1633

    The Spanish Chancellery officially recognized the title of Prince of Monaco.

    The Spanish Chancellery officially recognized the title of Prince of Monaco which had been used since 1612 by Honore II. The Péronne Treaty attributed the feifdoms of Valentinois, Carladès, the Baux and Saint-Rémy to Prince Honoré II and his son. In December 1678 the Principality’s judicial statutes were promulgated by Louis 1st, hence giving them their name “Code Louis”. In 1793 France claimed “Fort Hercule” under its territory. This occupation didn’t last, as in 1814 all rights and powers were restored to the Prince by the Treaty of Paris.