The Venetian Coat of Arms

According to legend, in 828 AD several Venetians decided it would be a good idea to travel to Alexandria, Egypt and steal the remains of St. Mark the Apostle. After having being disinterred, smuggled out of the city, and sailed to Venice, the remains inspired much excitement with the Venetians. So much so that they decided to substitute their patron saint, St. Teodoro, with St. Mark. (Poor, St. Teodoro!) With this, St. Mark and his symbol the Lion became the symbols of Venice, lending authority and legitimacy to the growing Venetian Empire.