DYNASTY
© HelloMonaco
Nowadays Fort Antoine , constructed as a fortress during the reign of prince Antoine I , hosts open-air performances in the summertime .
ANTOINE ’ S ACHIEVEMENTS IN SOLDIERING
Prior to acceding to the throne , providence would have it that Antoine would earn his spurs as a soldier in one of the defining wars in history . The ‘ Nine Years War ’ often called the ‘ War of the Grand Alliance ’ is sometimes referred to as the first global war . Monaco would prove to be a staunch ally of France . Pitted against Louis XIV of France and Monaco was a European coalition of Austria , the Holy Roman Empire , the Dutch Republic , Spain , England and Savoy . During the war , Antoine ’ s prowess as a soldier and ally of France was honed at Philipsburg in Germany in 1688 and in the Battle of Fleurus in 1690 , together with the Sieges of Mons and Namur in 1691 and 1692 .
Antoine ’ s love for the arts helped distinguish Monaco among its European neighbours as a country of high culture and refinement .
Later , already being the ruler of his country , Antoine I had to use his military experience and talent in another war — the War of the Spanish Succession . Savoy threw their lot in with the Grand Alliance in 1705 so Antoine had to prepare to defend Monaco from Savoy who were threatening from the mountains . Antoine ’ s capabilities as a military leader propelled him to devise a plan to position a major defense force in La Turbie where there was already a sturdy fortress . Emperor Augustus in Roman times had identified La Turbie as militarily vital and Antoine knew he needed a strategic line of defense to the North to protect against the Savoyards . Unfortunately the plan hinged on the cooperation of allied French forces based in Italy who were commanded by an inexperienced aristocrat . Moreover , by the order of King Louis XIV of France , all the fortresses in the region were to be destroyed , and the monument in La Turbie could not escape this fate .
Monaco itself was in direct threat from the British from the sea and Antoine immediately set about strengthening Monaco ’ s defenses . In the beginning of the XVIII century he constructed a watch tower La Tour de l ’ Oreillon and the fortress
© HelloMonaco
Hello Monaco Spring 2021 / 105 www . hellomonaco . ru