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1325, Early Summer: The Infamous Bucket Theft

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1325, Early Summer: The Infamous Bucket Theft

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Modenese soldiers snuck into Bologna and stole an oak bucket from the city's main well in the Piazza Maggiore. This seemingly minor theft was the spark that ignited long-standing tensions between the two cities. The bucket was likely worth only a few coins, making this catalyst particularly absurd.

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The Palazzo Comunale in Modena became the center of diplomatic tension as Bologna demanded the return of their bucket. The Modenese officials not only refused but displayed the bucket prominently in their bell tower (Torre Ghirlandina) as a trophy, further antagonizing Bologna.

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1325, August: Bologna's Declaration of War

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1325, August: Bologna's Declaration of War

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At the Palazzo d'Accursio, Bologna's government officially declared war on Modena. They assembled an army of 32,000 men, including infantry and cavalry, a massive force for what started as a dispute over a bucket.

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1325, September: Modena's Military Preparations

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1325, September: Modena's Military Preparations

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Modena gathered their forces at Piazza Grande, assembling 7,000 men, significantly outnumbered by the Bolognese army. Despite their smaller numbers, the Modenese were determined to defend their honor (and their stolen bucket).

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1325, November 15: The Battle of Zappolino

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1325, November 15: The Battle of Zappolino

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The main battle took place near the village of Zappolino. Despite being outnumbered, the Modenese forces achieved a surprising victory. They successfully repelled the Bolognese army, inflicting around 2,000 casualties. This battle became the largest and bloodiest conflict of the war.

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1325, November 15: The Retreat to Borgo Panigale

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1325, November 15: The Retreat to Borgo Panigale

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The defeated Bolognese army retreated to Borgo Panigale, pursued by the victorious Modenese forces. The Modenese soldiers celebrated their victory by plundering the countryside and mockingly rolling a captured wine barrel back to Modena.

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1325, November 16: Victory Celebration in Modena

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1325, November 16: Victory Celebration in Modena

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The Modenese army returned triumphantly to Piazza Sant'Agostino, carrying both the original stolen bucket and their newly captured spoils of war. The bucket was placed in the Torre Ghirlandina as a permanent reminder of their victory, where a replica still remains today.

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Peace talks were held at the Rocca di Vignola, a neutral location between the two cities. While peace was eventually restored, the bucket remained in Modena's possession, serving as a lasting symbol of this peculiar conflict and the often petty nature of medieval Italian city-state rivalries.