Trentino - Historical Facts and Tidbits

Padre Kino -- Father Eusebio Chini was born in the village of Segno in 1645.  He was an early explorer of the American southwest, area and established missions in Arizona and Mexico.  I am proud to claim him as a distant relative (see My Ancestral Lines ).

In 1991, a prehistoric grave dating to the Mesolithic period (c. 6500-6000 B.C.) was discovered in Mezzocorona (Val d'Adige).  Communities slowly developed around castles constructed by the Romans to house the Roman military, its veterans, and their families.  Many of the modern Val di Non villages resulted from these early communities (e.g. Vervo).  Roman grave markers have been found in or near the villages of Revo, Romeno, and Sanzeno.  Additionally, in late 2003 a tomb from the 6th - 7th centuries was discovered underneath the gardens of Casa Lodron.  The tomb contained two skeletons.

Local Government --  The Counts of Flavon were one of the early ruling powers in Val di Non..  Many historians believe the counts had their origins in the ancient noble house of Lurna-Pusterthal, from which were descended the Counts of Gorizia. When and why they came to Val di Non is not known with certainty. They resided at Castel Flavon during their rule. An indication of how long the castle has been in existence is found on an arch over an entryway. On the arch is sculpted "92", which is believed to refer to the year 1092 -- year of construction. The castle was refurbished in the year 1290 and inhabited up to the 17th century.

Rustic War -- The contadini (farmers and sharecroppers), who were on the lowest ends of the social scale, bore the burden of taxes and payments of tribute imposed by the nobles. The noble ruling classes (the Prince-Bishop, his vassals, and valvasori) had many privileges, powers and exemption from taxes. The misery of the peoples provoked what is known as the Rustic War, which began on 14 Mar 1525. During this war, properties and castles belonging to the nobles were attacked and looted. Inhabitants of many Val di Non villages joined together in this conflict.

In September of the same year, the troops of the Count of Tyrol and the Prince-Bishop of Trento swept through the area. The disorder was surpressed by force, with many instances of cruel retribution. As a result, the people of Val di Non had to pledge fidelity to the Prince-Bishop and promise to live in peace. Although the conflict was not a victory for the people, it served as a warning to the noble classes that their manner of governing the people must change.

The living conditions in Val di Non were very rustic. The houses were modest structures constructed of masonry, stone, and wood, and often had three generations living together. Mostly of two levels, outside stairs were used to access the second level.  In the winter, the kitchen was the focal point for all activities, since that was the warmest room in the house.  During the 18th and 19th centuries, polenta (made from cornmeal), home-grown vegetables, and cheese were the main foods -- meat was a rare luxury. Although the food was filling and satisfied any hunger, it was poor nourishment. As a result, the people were susceptible to diseases, including pellagra.

Two cholera epidemics devastated Trentino in the mid-1800's.  The 1836 epidemic spared Val di Non, but killed more than 5700 people in other areas of Trentino.  In the fall of 1855, cholera rampaged through Val di Non.  The epidemic started 24 August in Romallo, and spread quickly to most villages in the valley causing many deaths (e.g. the village of Revo lost 102 residents in a two month period).

World War I had a great effect on Trentino.  The first general mobiization in July 1914 called all men age 20-42 for service in Galizia and Russia.  Large losses in the war are remembered with monuments to the fallen in many of the villages of Trentino.  The village of Romeno, housing about 850 people sent 155 of its young men to fight in the war, 14 of which did not return.  The loss of the services of the young working men greatly impacted the village and its ability to provide for the remaining residents.

After the May 1915 declaration of war by Italy against Austria, many villages were evacuated, and the residents sent to refugee camps within Austria (Katenzau, Landegg, Mittendorf).  Often, boys and men were taken off the trains while enroute to the camps, and put to work building fortifications.  Those who finally arrived at the camps were housed in wooden barracks under difficult living conditions.  Parts of Trentino were affected in different ways.  Some areas remained untouched, while others suffered the effects of battles, evacuation, and deprivation.  

The Museo Storico has a listing of soldiers from Trentino killed in World War I, including from the villages of  Trento, Baselga, Cadine, Cognola, Mattarello, Meano, Povo, Ravina, Vigolo, and Villazzano. 

Listings of World War I casualties for various villages in Trentino (including Cagno, Castelfondo, Imer, Romallo, Segonzano, Vigolo, Tuenno and others ) can also be found at "Albo d'Oro".

The political upheavals in the area also resulted in the deportation and internment of many Trentini (including approx. 180 from Val di Non) to the same camps.  Often, a person was interned for the slightest of reasons --

Enrico Borga (b. 1876 Tuenno) -- for possessing a passport that was not his own.
Anna Giovannini (b. 1853 Flavon) -- for declaring that she preferred her son dead rather than enlisting with the Austrian forces.
Giovanni Gentilini (b. 1850 Romallo) -- for declaring that the Emperor is old and doesn't know what he is doing.
Domenico Franch (b. 1854 Cloz) -- a teacher who expressed his displeasure with the German school system.
Paolo Zadra (b. 1888 Tres) -- a priest suspected of giving information to the Italian military forces.  He was interned at Landegg 1915-1918, where he ministered to the spiritual needs of his fellow Trentini.

  Museo Storico - The archives of this museum contain thousands of documents and photographs regarding Trentino history since the late 1800s.  A large part of its holdings details events and scenes of World War I, including experiences of Trentino soldiers.

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