FERT

FERT is the motto of the royal House of Savoy and Kingdom of Italy. The motto^[1] was adopted by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II (1666–1732).^[2]

Lesser coat of arms of the Kingdom of Italy (1890)

It appeared for the first time on the collar of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation, or Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata, the primary dynastic order of the kingdom.^[3]

The meaning of the letters has been a matter of some controversy, to which a number of interpretations have been offered. The motto is believed to be an acronym of:^[4]

• Foedere et Religione Tenemur (Latin: "Treaty and religion bind us");
• Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tenuit (Latin: "His strength conquered Rhodes" or "By his bravery he held [or occupied] Rhodes"), referring to the victory of Amadeus V, Count of Savoy (1249–1323), who fought in the 1315 siege of Rhodes;^[2] or either
• Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin: "His bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state"); or
• Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin: "Faith is the protector of [our] Kingdom").

Gallery

• 
  Stained glass with the coat of Amadeus VIII, Duke of Savoy
• 
  The motto in the main hall of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
• 
  Flag of the Italian Protectorate of Albania

See also

• A.E.I.O.U. – another motto of a European dynasty (the House of Habsburg) whose precise meaning and origin is unclear