FERT (sometimes tripled, FERT, FERT, FERT)[1] is the motto of the royal House of Savoy and Kingdom of Italy. The motto[2] was adopted by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II (1666–1732).[3]
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.[4] This ceased to be a national order when Italy became a republic in 1946. The order remains under the jurisdiction of the head of the House of Savoy, however, as hereditary Sovereign and Grand Master.[5]
Etymology
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:[6][7]
- 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;[3]
- Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin: “His bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state”), referencing the same ruler — Amadeus V.
- Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin: “Faith is the protector of [our] Kingdom”)
It has also been suggested that the letters are actually the Latin word fert (third-person singular present active indicative of ferre), meaning ‘[he/she/it] suffers/bears’, possibly referring to Jesus bearing the sins of the world.[8]
A French-language parody of FERT was said by Savoy’s neighbors to mean Frappez, Entrez, Rompez Tout (French: “Strike, Enter, Break Everything”), from their penchant for chevauchée.[9][10]
Gallery
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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 -
Coat of arms of Italian East Africa
See also
- A.E.I.O.U. – another motto of a European dynasty (the House of Habsburg) whose precise meaning and origin is similarly unclear.
References
- ^ A., R. G. (1907). “Austrian and Italian Mint Marks”. American Journal of Numismatics (1897-1924). 41 (4): 88–88. ISSN 2381-4594.
- ^ Melion, Walter; Zell, Michael; Woodall, Joanna (2017-11-09). Ut pictura amor: The Reflexive Imagery of Love in Artistic Theory and Practice, 1500-1700. BRILL. p. 428. ISBN 9789004346468.
- ^ a b Historic Devices, Badges, and War-cries by Mrs. Bury Palliser. S. Low, Son & Marston. 1870. p. 230.
- ^ Sussex.), John Wilkes (of Milland House (1812). Encyclopaedia Londinensis; or an universal dictionary of arts, sciences, and literature … publisher not identified. p. 811.
- ^ “THE DYNASTIC ORDERS – Ordini Dinastici della Real Casa di Savoia”. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
- ^ Ulwencreutz, Lars (November 2013). Ulwencreutz’s The Royal Families in Europe V. Lulu.com. p. 293. ISBN 9781304581358.
- ^ “Dictionnaire de Trévoux/6e édition, 1771/FERT – Wikisource”. fr.wikisource.org (in French). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
- ^ MacDonald, Deanna. “Margaret of Austria and Brou : Habsburg political patronage in Savoy”. escholarship.mcgill.ca. Hans (Advisor) Boker. 36n78. Retrieved 2026-05-20.
- ^ Luigia (2024-08-13). “FERT, devise de la Maison de Savoie”. Chateau de Thorens**** (in French). Retrieved 2026-05-20.
- ^ K, Jacob (2022-10-28). “FERT et le nœud mystique”. Toison d’Or (in French). Retrieved 2026-05-20.