Italian Naval Ensign - Marina Militare Italiana

The Italian Naval Ensign or the Marina Militare Italiana was first flown on March 17, 1861 upon the proclamation of the Former Kingdom of Italy. It consists of an Italian tricolore with the Marina Militare or Naval emblem centered in the white middle stripe. The emblem consists of a shield, whose four quadrants reference Medieval Italian Thalassocracies or rule of the sea.

The first quadrant consisting of a golden winged lion wielding a sword is representative of the former Republic of Venice. The second, a red cross on a white field is symbolic of the former Republic of Genoa. The third, a white cross on a blue field commemorates the former Republic of Amalfi. Completing the shield is a white cross set against a red field to mark the former Republic of Pisa. Each of these republics combined to form modern day Italy.

The shield is towered by a golden crown, distinguishing itself for use on military vessels and not for use by the merchant marine. The Corona Rostrata as the crown is known is an emblem of honor and valour first used by the Roman Senate to reward leaders of naval victories, conquerors of lands and cities across the seas. Another distinction between the naval ensign and merchant jack is in the paws of the Republic of Venice Lion. On the Naval Ensign, the lion is clutching a closed Bible. On the merchant or naval jack the lion is wielding a sword and the Bible is open to the Gospel of Mark and the quotation “Pax tibi Marce, evangelista meus", Peace to you Mark, my Evangelist”