It is one of the most important symbols of the country, along with the flag and anthem. The coat of arms of Montenegro was approved in 2004 and replaced the heraldic symbol that has been used in the country as a coat of arms since the early 90s. (it depicted a silver eagle, in contrast to the current golden one).
Where does the coat of arms come from
The coat of arms is a double-headed eagle, repeats the coat of arms of the Byzantine dynasty - the Palaeologus. The coat of arms is a symbol of the unity of church and state. Such coats of arms were used by many Montenegrin dynasties. The appearance of the coat of arms is inextricably linked with the coat of arms of the Russian Empire. The kings of Montenegro maintained close ties with her. The coat of arms also bears the image of a leopard lion. It is a symbol of the authority of the bishop. In addition, such an image is an allegory of the Resurrection of Christ.
The leading role of the church in the state was reflected because it was precisely the consolidation around the dominant religion that helped the Montenegrin Christians to withstand the unequal struggle against the Turks. The establishment of the secular power of the prince in the middle of the 19th century did not affect the coat of arms, and the image of the leopard lion moved to the middle.
The coat of arms of princely Montenegro existed during the occupation by Italy during the Second World War. However, since 1944, it was banned due to the victory of the followers of Joseph Broz Tito.
What the coat of arms of Montenegro looked like as part of the SFRY
This coat of arms was approved in 1946. Its alleged author is D. Kuhn. He is the author of all the coats of arms of the republics that are part of the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. On this coat of arms was placed the image of Mount Lovcen. At the top of the mountain is the image of the mausoleum of P. Njegos (lord of Montenegro, metropolitan, statesman who contributed to the transformation of Montenegro into a free state in the 19th century). This mountain is surrounded by the sea. The composition is framed with a golden wreath and decorated with the communist symbol - a red five-pointed star.
Features of the modern coat of arms
On the coat of arms since 2004, the image of a leopard lion is moved to the shield. This shield, in turn, is placed on the eagle's chest. Since the current form of government in Montenegro is republican, the crown causes some controversy among heraldists and historians. But, nevertheless, this coat of arms has gained immense popularity in the country and now it is used almost everywhere.
