The Bucket War

Civil wars have occurred in numerous countries over the years, usually over land or ideologies, but not always. For example, The Bucket War in 1325 between the Italian city-states of Modena and Bologna.

According to legend, after several years of skirmishes and constant tension, a group of Modenese decided to prove they were better than their rivals in Bologna. One night they infiltrated the city without anyone noticing. They weren’t looking for trouble, so they just stole a wooden bucket from a well as a trophy. This prompted the Bolognese to dispatch an army to retrieve it. As a result, 30,000 Guelph foot soldiers came to the aid of Bologna on behalf of the Pope, while 5,000 Ghibellines joined the cause for Modena on behalf of the Holy Roman Emperor.

Over 2,000 soldiers were killed, and some believe the bucket was nothing more than a colorful story to divert attention away from much more serious issues, such as Modena's capture of a Bolognese castle. In that version, they still stole a bucket.

An unwarranted conflict caused so many casualties and property damage that history describes it as one of history's most pointless wars.

• Date: 1325
• Location: Emilia-Romagna, northern Italy