Giro d’Italia 2024 Stage 9 (Avezzano -Napoli 214 km)

Nowadays people trying to find desperately ancestors fr9m the ranks of higher aristocracy, as it would change anything in their life in the 21st century (of course, not), seem to be weird and sometimes ridiculous.

During the 16th and 17th century, according to Stefania Tuttino's book A Fake Saint and the True Church, "everyone, who had means and opportunity", tried to claim noble origin. It was especially true about people who were able to buy a high rank, but still didn't feel it satisfying.

Like in the case of Carlo Calà, a whealthy lawyer and influental member of the viceroy's administration in Naples in mid-1600. He bought himself some lands and the title of the Duke of Diano. But he wanted real nobily status, so he was really excitied when a local historian sent him books including stories about his 12th-centurian ancestor, Giovanni, who was not only a literal giant, but also a saint.

It was so obvious, that this was fake, and most likely the duke himself was a victim of the scam. But soon the whole story became political. The balance between the secular administration and the influence of the Catholic Church was always delicate, and the debate was mostly not about was this Giovanni a real person or not, but has the duke get permission to publish a book about his family mentioning this alleged ancestor or not. Also, is is permitted to create a cult around this giant saint or not.

What's this divijg into the history of 17th century Italy stuff and why is it on a blog focusing on road cycling history?Read about this mini-project here.