History

The Order was founded by Joseph Bonaparte, King of Naples, and it was conferred upon Italian citizens who were loyal to him and cooperated throughout his reign.

The Order continued to be awarded by Joachim Murat and Ferdinand I, but the awards underwent many small design alterations throughout their reigns. Ultimately, the Order was discontinued by Ferdinand I in 1819.

The Type II awards were conferred during the reign of Joachim Murat, and they feature several design alterations.

The awards conferred from 1808-1811 feature a surmounting crowned eagle, the image of a prancing horse on the reverse medallion, and the obverse inscription may be in Latin and read “JOACHIM NAPOLEO. TERTIO REGNI ANNO,” or in Italian and read “GIOACCHINO RE DI NAPOLI.” The reverse inscription reads “PRO RENOVATA PATRIA.”

While the awards conferred from 1811-1814 feature a surmounting crowned eagle, a left facing portrait of Joachim Murat on the obverse medallion, the obverse inscription “GIOACCHINO RE DI NAPOLI,” and the reverse inscription “PRO RENOVATA PATRIA.“

The Dignitary grade was restricted to 50 members.