The coat of arms of Monaco, referred to also as an armorial achievement or an arms of dominion, is the symbolic representation of the House of Grimaldi, the current sovereigns of the principality of Monaco. The armorial achievement carries important symbolic meaning and not only represents the Grimaldis' pedigree, but also their rule over the territories they possess. In this case, the Franciscan monks, the crown, collar of the Order of Saint Charles, and lozenge of red and argent all link to events in history relevant to their rise in Monaco as sovereigns, dating as far back as the 13th Century. As to the origins of this achievement: traditionally borne by the eldest male of each generation and tailored to their individuality, the modern image we see today is reminiscent of hundreds of years of tradition rather than a single heir. Being of Italian descent themselves, the Grimaldi connection to Genoese aristocracy is old but strong; their influence over Monaco has lasted over several hundred years – originating in their ascent to power beginning in the late 11th Century. Official description The government of Monaco describes the coat of arms as follows: Shield: fusily argent and gules, surrounded by a collar of the Order of Saint Charles, placed on a red mantle doubled ermine, topped with the Princely Crown. Supporters: two Friars Minor, haired, bearded and vested, each holding a raised sword, standing on a ribbon with the motto: DEO JUVANTE. Grimaldi Origins The House of Grimaldi originated in Genoa, Italy, as a prominent family who sourced their wealth mainly through maritime trade and rose to prominence during the 12th Century. With regard to personal linkage, Otto Canella is believed to be the first recorded member of this family who held significance, where his role as Consul to the Republic of Genoa in 1133 arguably marked the establishment of the family as its own authority along the Franco-Italian coast. His heir, Grimaldo Canella, also graced the offices of Genoa, in the same role but this time elected thrice over, with the last year of this role being in 1184. Following this, his son, Oberto also followed in his predecessor’s footsteps but no longer bore the last name “Canella” – instead replacing it with the patronymic “Grimaldi”. According to some accounts, it has been argued that this name change was due to the considerable affluence that the family had attained and