-The Carroccio- 🧵
A carroccio was a large very decorated wagon, moved by oxes, bearing the city signs. It was highly regard by the italian communes, around it the militia of the city gathered and fought, and losing it in battle meant defeat. (1/6)
#svagaiature #italy #medieval
A carroccio was a large very decorated wagon, moved by oxes, bearing the city signs. It was highly regard by the italian communes, around it the militia of the city gathered and fought, and losing it in battle meant defeat. (1/6)
#svagaiature #italy #medieval
It is thought to have Lomgobards origins, used by the aristocracy of the kingdom as a charriot. By XI century its functions became mainly symbolic, because of the added weight of the Cross and the city banners. (2/6)
Documents dating 1158 and 1201 confirm the presence of the milanese carroccio in San Giorgio al Palazzo’s church, in time of peace. In the battle of #Legnano, 29th of May 1176, the carrocio played a crucial role in the final victory. (3/6)
According to real historical facts the communal militia mounted a decisive resistance around the wagon allowing the remaining part of the Lombard League army to join the battle and defeat the emperor. (4/6)
Unfortunately not a single carroccio survived to this day, but we have many descriptions: was usually huge, needing three yoke of oxen to be moved, the animals were covered with a caparison with the city emblem, ... (5/6)
... there was a massive crucifix that took four men to put in place looking like a ship’s mast. (6/6)
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
