François Grimaldi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids François Grimaldi |
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| Lord of Monaco | |
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| Fresco with François Grimaldi, nicknamed "Malizia", on a wall of the rue Comte Félix Castaldi in Monaco | |
| Spouse(s) | Aurelia del Carretto |
| Noble family | House of Grimaldi |
| Father | Guglielmo Grimaldi |
| Mother | Giacoba |
| Born | c. ? Genoa, Republic of Genoa |
| Died | 1309 Ventimiglia, Republic of Genoa |
François Grimaldi (also known as Francesco Grimaldi), nicknamed il Malizia (meaning "the malicious"), was a brave leader from Genoa in Italy. He was part of a group called the Guelphs. These were families who supported the Pope during a big conflict in Italy.
François Grimaldi is famous for capturing the Rock of Monaco on the night of January 8, 1297. This event was a big step in the history of the Grimaldi family, who still rule Monaco today. He was the son of Guglielmo Grimaldi and Giacoba, who was also from a noble family in Genoa.
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The Daring Capture of Monaco
François Grimaldi used a clever trick to take over Monaco. He dressed up as a Franciscan friar, which is a type of monk. When he arrived at the gates of Monaco's castle, the guards let him in because they thought he was a peaceful religious man.
How the Castle Was Taken
Once inside, François quickly showed his true intentions. With his cousin Rainier I, who was the Lord of Cagnes, and a group of his men hiding nearby, they suddenly attacked. They took control of the castle by surprise.
Monaco's Coat of Arms: A Symbol of the Event
This famous event is remembered on the Monegasque coat of arms. The coat of arms shows two friars holding swords. These friars represent François Grimaldi and his cousin, showing how they captured the castle.
François held the citadel of Monaco for four years. However, he was eventually forced out by the Genoese. The fight for "the rock" was then continued by other members of his family. Even though François didn't manage to keep Monaco for good, he was the first Grimaldi to try and take control of it.
François Grimaldi's Family Life
François Grimaldi married Aurelia del Carretto in 1295. However, they did not have any children together. This means that the Grimaldi family members who rule Monaco today are not direct descendants of François himself.
Succession After François
After François Grimaldi passed away in 1309, his cousin Rainier I, Lord of Cagnes, took over. Rainier I was also his stepson.
The Grimaldi Family's Lasting Rule
The descendants of Rainier I, who are part of the House of Grimaldi, still rule Monaco today. More than a hundred years after François's bold attempt, the Grimaldis officially bought Monaco from the crown of Aragon in 1419. This made them the undisputed rulers of "the Rock of Monaco."
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