{ Chapter Two }
The Messina revolt of 1672-78 began with a revolt against the patrician government by skilled workers in 1672. When the patricians regained Messina control in 1674, they turned the movement into a revolt against Spanish rule. They obtained support from the French, and Messina was independent until the end of the Franco-Dutch War of 1672-78, when the Spanish regained control.
the war in Messina
The Gran Corte Civile and the Gran Corte Criminale judged on appeal the disputes already decided in the Praetorian Court and other lower courts. RLD, 382.
Gran Corte Criminale
The Ventimiglia, Counts of Geraci, belong to ancient Norman nobility, being descendants of Serlone, nephew of Count Roger. In 1433, Giovanni Ventimiglia, Count of Geraci, was granted the title Marchese di Geraci by King Alfonso. In 1595, another Giovanni Ventimiglia was granted the title of Prince of Castelbuono. RLD, 382.
Ventimiglia
An enclosed field in the Piano di Sant’Oliva, near the convent of San Francesco di Paola. In 1617 a masonry arena was built there, where cavalieri practiced and trained for jousting and tournaments. RLD, 382.
Sant’Oliva
at your age I went searching for the wives of Putifarre and didn’t leave my cloak in their hands, no
In Genesis the wife of Putifarre was a great seductress, whose advances were spurned by her slave Giuseppe.
The Nine Years’ War.
the war was over
Signing of the Treaty of Rijswick