CARROCCIO. - A special war chariot used in the Middle Ages, whose primary purpose was to carry the city’s banner. Some cities gave it a proper name (Regelium, Gaiardus, Blancardus, Berta, Bertazzola). It was a four-wheeled chariot, more majestic than common war chariots, drawn by several pairs of oxen, painted red or covered with crimson drapery, as were the oxen that pulled II. Above it stood one (Milan) or two (Florence) tall poles bearing the city’s banner and a large cross that towered over the ranks.
From it, a bell gave the signal for attack, and a corps of trumpeters stirred up the battle. Before the battle, the Holy Mass was celebrated there, and it often served as a refuge for the wounded: in Milan a chaplain was assigned to it “qui... semper Missam celebret et vulneratis det poenitentiam.” Chosen fighters were stationed to defend II. Losing it in battle was a grave disgrace, and capturing that of the opposing city was a glorious triumph. Frederick II, who in 1237 captured that of Milan, sent it to Rome to be placed in the Capitol as a memorial of his victory. In peacetime it was kept in a temple (that of