The War of the Bucket (1325)

 

The War of the Bucket (1325)

📅 Date:

• 1325 AD

📍 Location:

• Modena vs Bologna, Northern Italy

👥 Key Characters:

• City of Modena (Ghibellines, pro-Holy Roman Empire)

• City of Bologna (Guelphs, pro-Papacy)

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🧾 The Story:

In the early 14th century, Italy was deeply divided between two factions:

• The Guelphs, who supported the Pope

• The Ghibellines, who backed the Holy Roman Emperor

Bologna was a major Guelph stronghold. Modena was a Ghibelline city. The two cities had ongoing tensions over land, politics, and power.

But in 1325, things escalated in the most absurd way imaginable.

A group of Modenese soldiers sneaked into Bologna and stole a wooden bucket from a city well.

Bologna demanded the return of the bucket.

Modena refused.

This minor act of mockery triggered a full-scale war.

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⚔️ The Battle:

• Bologna gathered an army of 32,000 troops.

• Modena responded with 7,000 defenders.

Despite being outnumbered, the Modenese decisively defeated the Bolognese at the Battle of Zappolino.

Bologna retreated in shame. Modena celebrated their victory… and kept the bucket as a trophy.

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🪣 What Happened to the Bucket?

The bucket is still on display today in Modena, at the Torre della Ghirlandina (Modena’s bell tower), as a symbol of victory and defiance.

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🎭 Why It Matters:

While the war was rooted in deeper political conflict, the absurd spark — a wooden bucket — makes it one of the strangest wars in history. It reflects how pride and rivalry can turn minor incidents into major battles.

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📚 Reference:

• Italian chronicles from the 14th century

• Museo Civico di Modena (where the original bucket replica is kept)