Bright and bustling, Marseille can be considered the standard of a true port city in the European Mediterranean. He is exactly what adventure books and films portray him. The largest port of the country, one of its largest industrial centers with almost a million inhabitants - this is perhaps all you need to know to get the right impression about the city. Marseille is like a bubbling cauldron in which representatives of various cultures are brewed, and the number of emigrants here is simply unimaginable.
However, the city was not always like this. Those who come here not only to find exotic things and take beautiful photos can get acquainted with the rich history of this region, and they should start with such details as the coat of arms of Marseille, which flaunts on the city hall.
History of the coat of arms
According to written sources, the official symbol of the city in its present form appeared at the end of the 13th century. Of course, during the subsequent French revolutions, its appearance changed more than once, but over time it invariably regained its original appearance. The coat of arms was finally approved at the end of the 19th century, and it was never changed again until 1990, when the municipal authorities decided to somewhat simplify its appearance.
Description of the coat of arms
Today the coat of arms is a composition consisting of the following details:
- golden tower crown;
- oval shield with an azure cross;
- supporters - bull and lion;
- military order;
- anchors;
- tape with a motto.
The meaning of this coat of arms is quite simple - everything here speaks of the glory of the sea and the courage of the inhabitants of Marseille. The golden tower crown with five prongs is a symbol of a major administrative center, and golden anchors indicate outstanding success in maritime trade and navigation.
The images of a bull and a lion are also symbolic. The bull in this case, personifies labor and fertility, and the lion - courage, nobility, bravery and greatness of power. Together with the five-toothed tower crown, the bull and lion clearly indicate that Marseille was and is one of the most important pillars of French statehood. This image is supplemented with a military order, which testifies to the readiness of the inhabitants of the city to fight for their country.
The official motto of the city - “The city of Marseille shines with its great achievements” also looks quite inspiring. And this is indeed true, since the history of Marseille is, in fact, the history of the whole of France.
