History

The Order was founded by King Ferdinand I on the same day he abolished the Order of the Two Sicilies. It was instituted to celebrate the reunion of Naples and Sicily into a single Kingdom and to replace the Royal Order of the Two Sicilies.

This Order was a purely military honour that was awarded in recognition of military merit, valour, and loyalty.

The Order was amended twice, on September 28, 1829, and in 1850.

The amendments in 1829 abolished the grade of Grand Collar, while the 1850 amendments added a surmounting crown to the grades of Grand Cross and Commander. Also, following the 1850 amendments the grades of Grand Cross, Commander, and Knight of Justice were solely awarded to Officers and Generals for meritorious service in the military, and valour in battle.

The Commander may also be known as the Officer prior to 1829, and as the Grand Officer following 1850.