Un ufficiale di polizia d'antico regime. Il Capitano del divieto di Mantova

This study examines the profile of an important police officer in the Duchy of Mantua, between 16th and 18th centuries: the Capitano del divieto. He was in command of the armed forces (about 12 horsemen and 10 foot-soldiers) charged with keeping order in Mantua and its territory, and dealing with crime in urban and rural society, being under criminal judges’ orders. Originally instituted – probably in late Medieval Age – to prevent corn smuggling, the Captain then received by the Dukes wider powers in policing, prosecuting and arresting thieves, robbers, murders and bandits, controlling vagrancy, prostitution and begging, and preventing disorderly behavior in general. During the Succession Wars the Captain conducted intelligence operations in favour of the Habsburg Monarchy.