54. The Mafia, Blood Brotherhoods and Frail Societies

If you play Assassins Creed you might think the Mafia has its origins in similar medieval or early modern brotherhoods, who despite their dastardly deeds were true patriots and rebels at heart. That is also the story that Italian mafia organisations tell their own members. But is it true, or does the history of the mafia have more to do with Italian Risorgimento politics, prisons and the disruptions of the nineteenth century? And what does any of this have to do with a burning archive?

Thanks to Isaac and Ella for the listener question that began this show, and special thanks to John Dickie, Blood Brotherhoods: A History of Italy's Three Mafias (2014) for all the wonderful stories in this episode.  Thanks too to Sigismondo Castromediano, Duke of Morciano and Marquis of Cavallino, Italian Patriot, for enduring his imprisonment in the jails of the Kingdom of Two Sicilies, and then telling the true tale of the origins of the camorra.

Credits also to Assassin's Creed, 'Sounds of Florence' and Godfather 'Theme Song' - brief excerpts played during the show.