The modern representation of the city’s coat of arms (or the Dublin City Council logo) evolved from the original medieval City Seal as depicted here on the left. The three castles or watch towers, in use since 1538, developed from the simpler gateway surmounted by a single tower and flanked by two additional smaller towers. The flames leaping from the top of each tower signify, not the city burning as such, but rather the zeal and determination of the citizens to defend their city. The two female figures on each side carry the olive branches of peace. The sword represents law and the scales represent justice. The flowers underneath stand for hope and joy.
The Latin motto Obedientia Civium Urbis Felicitas means The Obedience of the Citizens (makes) a Happy City.
