In 43 BC, Julius Caesar gathered his fleet in the port of Monaco in anticipation of Pompey's arrival from Illyria. In the 12th century, Emperor of Germany Frederick Barbarossa granted the right to possess Monaco and the entire Ligurian coast to Genoa. It was at that time, after the Ghibellines—the party of feudal nobility that fought against the supporters of the Pope—seized power in Genoa in 1295, that the distinguished Ligurian family of Grimaldi was forced to seek refuge outside their homeland. According to legend, François Grimaldi entered the fortress disguised as a priest and opened the gates to his allies. To legitimize their power, the Grimaldi family purchased Monaco from Genoa in 1308. At first counts ruled here, then princes came to rule. Thus the Principality of Monaco was formed.
At the beginning of the 16th century, Monaco came under French rule, but soon the Grimaldis achieved full autonomy for this small state. Subsequently, the princes of Monaco relied on the protection of France. The heyday of the principality was the era of the reign of Charles III Grimaldi, whose son Albert I strengthened relations with France. It was precisely at this time that Monaco gained recognition as a center of tourism and culture, the zenith of which is the reign of the true monarch, Prince Rainier III, who ascended the throne in 1949.