How a War Started Because of a Bucket (War of the Oaken Bucket.)

In partnership with

Dear historically confused human,

Let’s say someone steals your mop bucket.

What do you do?

a) Ask for it back nicely
b) Buy a new one from Ye Olde Home Depot
c) Declare full-scale medieval war and yeet 2,000 people into the afterlife

If you picked “c,” congrats. You’re ready to run a 14th-century Italian city.

Welcome to the War of the Oaken Bucket—the story of how two cities went full WWE cage match over a wooden pail.

🇮🇹 Step 1: Two Cities, One Brain Cell

Our tale begins with Modena and Bologna. Two city-states in medieval Italy.
Both proud. Both spicy. Both armed with swords and zero chill.