On January 8, 1297, Monaco gained its independence when François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, led a force that captured the fortress of Monaco from the Genoese. This event marked the beginning of Grimaldi rule over Monaco, which has continued to the present day. The principality would go on to become a small but significant political entity in European history.

The capture of Monaco by François Grimaldi, known as the 'sly fox,' is a legendary event in the history of the principality. The story of the monk who seized the fortress has been recounted in numerous historical accounts and has become a foundational narrative in Monégasque national identity. The event has inspired a range of literary works, including historical novels and poems that celebrate the cunning and audacity of the Grimaldi family.