Kate Monk's Onomastikon

(Dictionary of Names)


Monaco

This is a small sovereign state which forms an enclave on the Mediterranean coast of France. It was once part of the Roman Empire and became a possession of the Italian city-state of Genoa in the C12th. Since 1297, it has been ruled by the Grimaldi family. From 1542-1641, it was a Spanish protectorate, then it came under French protection and was annexed by France during the Revolution. The ruling family was imprisoned (one member went to the guillotine) but regained power under the Treaty of Paris in 1814. Monaco became a protectorate of Sardinia in 1815 but reverted to French protection in 1861. It was occupied by Italy in 1940 and Germany in 1943 and was liberated in 1945. In 1949, Prince Rainier III came to the throne. He married the American film star, Grace Kelly, by whom he had three children, including his heir, Prince Albert, born in 1958.


This collection of names was compiled by Kate Monk and is ©1997, Kate Monk.

Copies may be made for personal use only.


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