Another city in the list of Castruccio's military exploits. (269)

Yet another city in the list of Castruccio's military exploits. (269)

It's known for its leather, shoe, and manufacturing industries, but its population recently started decreasing.

Another city on the list of Castruccio's military exploits. (269)

Pontremoli translates to "trembling bridge," named after a main bridge crossing the Magra river.  Its mountainous terrain in the Magra river valley made the city a target of many military conquests throughout history.

This town was in the list of Castruccio's military exploits. (269)

Sarzana borders the sea on the west side of Italy and sits at the entrance of the Magra (a main Italian river), making it an important military location during the Middle Ages.  Below is the Fortress of Sarzana:

The people of Pistoia gave power to the abbot of Pacciana, who betrayed them by turning in the Florentine ambassadors and giving Castruccio many of their strong-holds and towers.  This was an easy territory-grab for Castruccio because he had other people in power working with him.

"Castruccio was possessed of the fortresses placed on the mountain which overlooked the town, where he hovered, like a hawk over his prey, ready to pounce, delaying only for the destined minute." (370)

The head of the government in Pisa was decapitated, and the town gave way to bloody warfare.  "At this moment Castruccio appeared with his army on the hill of St. Giuliano: this sight pacified the combatants; they elected a new lord, and turned their powers towards resisting the common enemy." (370)

His mere presence placated the townspeople, showing the power and respect Castruccio commanded.

While Florence had sent their best troops to Genoa as reinforcements, Castruccio sieged their city.

“Now, without declaring war, or in any way advising them of their peril, he suddenly made an incursion into their territory, burning and wasting their land as far as Empoli, taking several castles, and carrying off an immense booty; he then retreated back to Lucca.” (282)

During Galeazzo Visconti's visit to Florence, Shelley gives an overview of the city, including the Cathedral (248). But she also notes that it was just beginning construction during the time of the novel's setting, and that it wouldn't be until its completion that it would become an icon of the city. Construction began on the cathedral in 1296 and finished in 1436 with Brunelleschi's construction of its dome. Shortly after this, they visit a tomb and Euthanasia has an almost gothic moment alone in the dark--albeit without the terror that characterizes that genre. 

Abruzzo is a region located in central Italy and is notorious for its' snow season. Abruzzo is a mountainous region that is situated along the coastline of the Adraitic sea. Castruccio desends from the Apennine Mountains situated within this portion of Italy. Mountains have a significant role within Shelley's narratives, in addition to own travels. Shelley finds inspiration in their austire nature and a means of healing and grounding.

(Photo credit to the New York Public Library Digital Collections)