Charles IV of Spain

What people wore

Soldiers' neckcloths indicated their rank

In the Duchy of Modena, soldiers' neckcloths served as rank identifiers, with ordinary soldiers tying them at the back and corporals wearing them with the ends hanging down at the front.

Getting around

Carriages amazed local mountain communities

When the first carriage traveled the Apennine route, locals were so amazed they called it a machine or contraption, with some betting it would never succeed. The count inspecting the road even had to occasionally disembark from his carriage for safety on the steepest mountain sections.

At the table

Summer refreshments called latati

During hot summer months, people refreshed themselves with drinks called latati, which were milk-like beverages made from ingredients like lemons, citrons, and almonds.

Music

Lenten oratorio performances at San Carlo

During Lent, ordinary people and nobles attended oratorio performances at the San Carlo Rotondo, a central venue for religious music in Modena. These performances were often supported by the Ducal Chapel to strengthen religious and political ties.

Daily life

Washing and water access in rural homes

Rural kitchens lacked modern sinks, so dishes were washed outside in the courtyard or under a porch using buckets and basins. Water was often drawn from a well located under the porch, where it was also used to water livestock.

What it cost

Generous daily wine rations

Workers in northern Italy often received significant daily wine rations, sometimes ranging from 1 to over 5 liters, as part of their in-kind compensation.