FERT

FERT is the motto of the royal House of Savoy and Kingdom of Italy. The motto^[1] was adopted by Duke Vittorio Amedeo II (1666–1732).^[2]

It appeared for the first time on the collar of the Supreme Order of the Most Holy Annunciation, or Ordine Supremo della Santissima Annunziata, the primary dynastic order of the kingdom.^[3]

The meaning of the letters has been a matter of some controversy, to which a number of interpretations have been offered. The motto is believed to be an acronym of:^[4]

• Foedere et Religione Tenemur (Latin: "Treaty and religion bind us");
• Fortitudo Eius Rhodum Tenuit (Latin: "His strength conquered Rhodes" or "By his bravery he held [or occupied] Rhodes"), referring to the victory of Amadeus V, Count of Savoy (1249–1323), who fought in the 1315 siege of Rhodes;^[2] or either
• Fortitudo Eius Rempublicam Tenet (Latin: "His bravery [or strength] preserves [or defends] the state"); or
• Fides Est Regni Tutela (Latin: "Faith is the protector of [our] Kingdom").

• 
  Stained glass with the coat of Amadeus VIII, Duke of Savoy
• 
  The motto in the main hall of the Palace of the Grand Master of the Knights of Rhodes
• 
  Flag of the Italian Protectorate of Albania

• A.E.I.O.U. – another motto of a European dynasty (the House of Habsburg) whose precise meaning and origin is unclear