The first preserved representation of the armorial bearings of Marseilles date completion of XIIè century. It is about a " cross of azure on money bottom ", memory of the crusades.
The cross is the symbol which was chosen by the Marseillais to inspire confidence with cross and to attract them towards the port.
One can notice moreover that the blazon of the " city phocéenne " is identical to that of Greece after inversion of enamels. In 1257, when the Marseillais agree to pass under the domination of Charles of Anjou, count de Provence, they reserved in the manner more the express the right to preserve the weapons of their commune (houses of the ships and boats), to carry them to their accustomed manner, by granting however a quite suitable place to those of the lord count.