FERT

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

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.

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:

• (Latin: "Treaty and religion bind us");
• (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; or either
• (Latin: "His bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state"); or
• (Latin: "Faith is the protector of [our] Kingdom").

Gallery

See also

• A.E.I.O.U. – motto of the House of Habsburg whose precise meaning and origin is unclear

References