The Carroccio

The Carroccio was the great standard car of state and the sacred palladium of the Lombard Republic, and was invented about the year 1035.

It was a strong car on four wheels, painted red, drawn by four pairs of milk-white oxen with splendid trappings of scarlet.

In the centre of the car, raised upon a mast which was crowned with a golden ball, floated the banner of the republic: beneath it was an image of the Saviour extended upon the cross, as if to pour benediction upon the surrounding hosts.

It was the custom whenever they took the field, to conduct the Carroccio into the midst of the army; and its sight was supposed to inspire courage in the hearts of the combatants. Three hundred of the most distinguished soldiers were appointed to guard it in the battle, and the loss of it was considered the most grievous calamity and the greatest disgrace.

In the Lombard Republic, to belong to the gallant Cohort of the Three Hundred was a great honor. Next in point of rank came nine hundred chosen men called the "Cohort of Death."

Feelings of religion and military glory were strangely associated with the Carroccio. It was an imitation of the Jewish ark of the covenant, and from its platform the chaplain of the army administered Christian rites to the people.

The thickest of the battle ever encircled the Carroccio: it guided the advance, and the duty of defending it insured order in a retreat.

The liberty of Lombardy was secured by the battle of Legnano (1176), and the victory was due to the rallying of the "Three Hundred" and the "Cohort of Death" around the Carroccio.

The return of the Carroccio to Milan after this decisive battle (in which the disciplined forces of Germany, commanded by the Emperor Frederick Barbarossa in person, gave way, and were defeated) was celebrated by eight days of festivity.