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Warmatrix

War Matrix - carroccio

Viking Age 800 CE - 1066 CE, Weapons and technology

Carroccio from the Defeat of Montperti
Carroccio from the Defeat of Montperti
The carroccio was a battle standard mounted on a wagon. It was an alternative to the traditional pole with flag that was carried by a standard bearer.
The carroccio was probably first used by the Milanese in the 11th century CE. Use of a wagon made it slower than a normal standard, but also more stable. It displayed a christian cross and symbols and colors of its city.
After Milan introduced it, other Italian city-states adopted it too. As with all standards, it served but as a rallying point and a symbol of the power of the army. Wounded soldiers would also be brought to the carroccio. It was fiercely guarded by the best soldiers. In peacetime, it was stored in a church and also well guarded.
The carroccio was a phenomenon of the Italian city states of the Middle Ages, but similar wagon-mounted standards were used in other parts of the world. The carroccio fell out of use in the 14th century CE.