Naples is the largest and perhaps the most colorful city in southern Italy. The extremely favorable geographical location of this city became the reason for the active interest in it among numerous invaders. Initially being a Greek settlement, it was captured by the Romans and by 327 BC, it became the favorite residence of the emperors, as well as the most prominent figures of the Roman Empire. In the 7th century, Naples became part of the Byzantine duchy, and even later, Norman Sicily. After several centuries, Naples generally turned into the capital of the kingdom. However, in the future, the city passed from hand to hand more than once, and only at the end of the 19th century did it finally take shape and took on its modern look. However, the ancient coat of arms of Naples can tell everyone about the rich history of this region.
History of the coat of arms
As for the history of the creation of the coat of arms, some of its moments even today cause disagreements among historians. According to one version, the colors used for its decoration indicate that the coat of arms took its final form during the time of Emperor Constantine. Others believe that this happened several centuries later. There are also those who consider the ancient history of the coat of arms of Naples to be fiction and date its appearance no earlier than the 18th century.
It is curious that each new government did not radically change the appearance of the coat of arms. Instead, it was decorated with various additional elements that contained a reference to the existing regime. For example, during the Mazaniello uprising in 1647, the shield was decorated with the letter "P" in the center, symbolizing the rule of the people, and under the fascist regime, the "fascist sheaf" took pride of place. However, in the end, the coat of arms still regained its original appearance.
Description
The basis of the coat of arms of Naples is a heraldic shield, the field of which is divided into two equal parts. The upper part is colored gold, the lower one is red. The entire composition is crowned with a wall crown with five towers. Although, in fact, it is not something unique and belongs to the classics of European heraldry. The very same tradition of decorating coats of arms with wall crowns, according to historians, dates back to the Roman period.
The gold color on the coat of arms is a symbol of life, prosperity and solar energy, and red, in turn, symbolizes courage, power, unity and strength. The entire field of arms is surrounded by a wreath of two branches (oak and laurel) - a symbol of peace, fortitude and victory.
