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Giovanni Battista Bugatti, a name synonymous with justice in the Papal States, served as the official executioner for the Pope from 1796 to 1864. This article delves into the life of Bugatti, known by his Roman nickname "Mastro Titta," his career, and his legacy. We will explore his methods, his personal life, and his historical significance, all while keeping the narrative engaging and informative.
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Born on March 6, 1779, in Senigallia, Marche, Giovanni Battista Bugatti grew up in the Papal States, a region with a rich history and strict adherence to religious and legal traditions. At just 17, Bugatti began his career in executions, a path that would define his entire life.
Career as an Executioner
Giovanni Bugatti's career spanned an impressive 68 years, during which he carried out 514 executions, averaging about 7 per year. Known as "Mastro Titta," a term derived from "maestro di giustizia" (master of justice), Bugatti employed various execution methods. These included:
Beheading by Axe: One of the oldest and most traditional methods.
Hanging: A method commonly used for centuries.
Mallet: A less common but equally brutal technique.
Guillotine: Introduced by the French and first used in the Papal States in 1816. Bugatti utilized a unique guillotine with a straight blade and V-shaped neckpiece.
Despite his grim profession, Bugatti was known as a short, portly man who always dressed well. He regularly attended the church Santa Maria in Traspontina, emphasizing his devout nature. Bugatti was married but did not have children. Outside his official duties, he and his wife sold painted umbrellas and souvenirs to tourists, providing a stark contrast to his role as an executioner.
Bugatti's life was marked by restrictions due to his job. He was confined to the Trastevere neighborhood, only crossing the bridge to Rome for official business. This restriction was partly for his protection against revenge from relatives of those he executed and partly due to superstitions surrounding his profession. The sight of Bugatti crossing the bridge was a grim signal to the people of Rome, indicating an impending execution and drawing curious crowds.
One of Bugatti's most notable executions was described by Charles Dickens in "Pictures from Italy" (1846). Dickens' account provides a vivid portrayal of the scene and highlights the impact Bugatti had on contemporary observers. His blood-stained clothes, axes, and guillotines, including his unique guillotine, are now displayed at the Museum of Criminology in Rome, preserving his legacy.
Giovanni Bugatti retired in 1864, after which he lived a relatively quiet life until his death on June 18, 1869, in Rome, Lazio, Papal States. His long career and the sheer number of executions he carried out have cemented his place in history as one of the most prolific executioners of his time.
Giovanni Battista Bugatti, known as Mastro Titta, remains a significant historical figure due to his lengthy career and the methods he used. His life and work provide a fascinating glimpse into the justice system of the Papal States and the role of the executioner in maintaining law and order. The items associated with his career, now preserved in a museum, continue to attract interest and serve as a stark reminder of a bygone era.