Sirmione, Lombardy, Italy -- How did this all get started? A group of Milanese merchants protested the marriage and keeping of concubines by the clergy. They became known as Patarini and had a major settlement here. The Del Scalla family of Verona came here to wipe them out and brought 2000 of them to the stake in 1276. The Del Scalla stayed and started the fort the next year to allow them to control the southern part of Italy's largest lake. Why go after the Patarini? They allied themselves with the Pope (who, you would think, could tell priests to not marry). The Della Scallas were allied with the Emperor in yet another incident in the ongoing "G" wars between the Guelphs and Ghibellines that rocked northern Italy during the 12th and 13th centuries.
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