In medieval Italy, two powerful city-states , Modena and Bologna were longtime enemies. They were often at war over territory, politics, and power. Tensions were always high.

In 1325, things escalated when soldiers from Modena snuck into Bologna and stole a wooden bucket from a public well. It might sound like a joke, but that bucket was a symbol of honor and pride and Bologna demanded it back.

Modena refused to return the bucket. Bologna, furious at the insult, declared war. They raised an army of 32,000 men to march on Modena. Modena only had around 7,000 troops, but they were well-prepared. The two sides clashed in the Battle of Zappolino, and shockingly, Modena won despite being outnumbered.

After the battle, the Modenese kept the bucket as a trophy and even placed it in a tower for display. They were so proud of winning the war and keeping the bucket that they still have it on display in a museum in Modena today.

Thousands died over a stolen bucket but really, it was a symbol of a deeper, centuries-old rivalry.