The first settlement on the Rock of Monaco is dated back to the Paleolithic period, approximately 300.000 BC, when it served as a shelter for primitive people. Evidence of a long-ago settlement is found is St. Martin’s Gardens. Later on, during the Greek colonization in the 6th century, the Procaine of Massalia founded the colony Monoikos, named after its Liguarian inhabitants in the area now known as Monaco. In ancient times, under the Roman rule, Monoecus served as a stopping-point for Julius Caesar on his way to campaign in Greece and after the Gallic wars it became a part of the Maritime Alps province (Gallia Transalpina).

In the Middle Ages, Monaco remained under Roman control until its fall in 476. Thereafter, the area was ravaged by Saracens and various barbarian tribes. Even though these raids left the area almost depopulated, Saracens were expelled in 975 and by the 11th century the area was again populated by Ligurians. On June 10, 1215, a detachment of Genoese Ghibellines led by Fulco de Cassello commenced the construction of a stronghold atop the Rock of Monaco. The year 1215 also represents a beginning of the modern history of Monaco. As the 13th century drew to close, the Grimaldis, descended from Otto Canella and taking their name by his son Grimaldo, in turns began to gain respect and influence in Genoa. However, during the civil strife among the Guelphs and Ghibellines, the Grimaldis took a refuge in Monaco, accompanied by various other Guelphic families. Since the year 1297 to the present day, except the period of French rule between the years 1793 to 1814, the area remained under the Grimaldi family’s control. Within the framework of the Congress of Vienna and Napoleon’s defeat, Monaco’s sovereignty was confirmed by the Franco-Monegasque Treaty in 1861. The Prince of Monaco became an absolute ruler of the country until the constitution was promulgated in 1911. Meanwhile in 1863, the famous Casino Monte Carlo was opened, organized by the Societé des Bains de Mer, which also ran the Hotel de Paris.

The S.B.M. played an important role in forthcoming development of infrastructure as the taxes they paid spurred the economic development to a great extent. In 1918, after the end of the World War, a treaty of protection was signed. The Treaty of Versailles established that Monegasque policy would be aligned with French economical, political and military interests. One of the facts which motivated the Monegasques to sign the Treaty was the upcoming Monaco Succesion Crisis in 1918. During the World War II, Prince Louis II did his best to keep Monaco’s neutrality, however, on the other hand, supported the Vichy French government led by Marshall Phillipe Pétain, his olden army colleague. In 1943, the Italian army invaded Monaco and set up a fascist puppet government over the country. Soon after Benito Mussolini’s fall in Italy, the German Army occupied Monaco, beginning the deportation of the Jewish population. Among those who were sent and died in Nazi concentration camps was René Blum, founder of the opera.

In 1962, the revised constitution of Monaco was proclaimed. It abolished capital punishment, provided for female suffrage and also established a Supreme Court to guarantee Fundamental liberties and made it difficult for French to transfer his or her residence there. In 1993, Monaco joined the United Nations with full voting rights and in 2002, a new treaty between France and Monaco clarifies that if there are no heirs to carry on the dynasty, the Monegasque Principality will remain independent on France. In turns Principality’s pleasant climate, nice-looking scenery and gambling facilities secured Monaco reputation of a distinguished and attractive tourist center.

Nowadays, the fairylike Principality which is home to approximately 30.000 inhabitants boasts a very high standard of living and wealth of its citizens who pay no taxes. Monaco, nevertheless, owes a lot to its former entrepreneurial Prince Rainier and his spouse princess Grace. Although the Principality has a rather metropolitan atmosphere with lots of luxurious cars and managerially clothed people circulating through the crowded local streets, it still preserves its allure and typical ambience. Conception that hazardous games represent the only attraction of Monaco is entirely erroneous as only five percent of the Monegasque incomes flow from the Casino.

The precedence in filling the treasury has overcome to many other cultural and commercial activities. On the one hand, Monaco has a tiptop symphony orchestra, ballet, opera and a music festival, on the other hand Rallye Monte Carlo and Monaco Grand Prix. Besides, such events like a dog and flower exhibition are held here annually. In addition to all this Monaco boast a prestigious major-league football team. As far as the name is concerned, Monaco, in fact, geographically refers to the historical Monegasque Rock and Monte Carlo the area left of the Rock. In the middle, between Monaco and Monte Carlo is La Condamine, a modern harbor and business quarter. The fourth part of the Principality is Fontvieille, a new town built on a dried-up land west of the Rock of Monaco.