The term „mafia“ is used almost daily in discussions—maybe not as much as before, but still regularly. The mafia is not always easy to define, but it can be seen as a secret association of organized crime engaged in illegal activities (threats, violence, murder, corruption, drug trafficking, prostitution, racketeering) with the goal of gaining money and other material benefits.
The mafia formally emerged in Sicily in the 19th century, and over time, different versions of the mafia have spread far beyond Italy. Various types of mafia organizations appeared in the United States, Russia, Japan, Latin America, and almost every other part of the globe. In recent decades, the mafia has become the subject of numerous films, TV series, books, and video games. Many of these portrayals are unrealistic, and to understand the true nature of the mafia, it is essential to consider its origins and evolutionary development.
Roman Era
Before the emergence of the modern mafia, there were various forms of criminal secret societies that can be considered forerunners of mafia associations. These illegal societies possessed some characteristics of classic mafia, such as secrecy, codes of honor, loyalty, and violence to gain and maintain power. Even in the Roman Empire, known for its cultural and civilizational advancements, there were different groups—collegia—linked to guilds and trade associations.
Some members of these associations sometimes used violence and intimidation to control markets and achieve goals for the Roman elite. Roman emperors used paid gangs for political purposes, and it is known that gladiators were hired to ensure political dominance. Although these groups differed from the mafia as we know it today, their organizational model bears similarities to later mafia societies.
The Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, especially in rural areas of southern Italy and Sicily, banditry was a form of resistance against feudal lords and foreign invaders. Many peasants banded together into small, self-sustaining protective groups to defend their resources. Due to the constant threat, the local population often relied on these protective groups, similar to how they later depended on the mafia. In Spain, brotherhoods (Hermandades) emerged during the Middle Ages as protective associations. Initially, they were established to maintain security in rural areas and protect peasants from bandits, but over time, they began using mafia-like methods.
The Beati Paoli was a secret society in Sicily during the 17th and 18th centuries that, according to popular stories, fought against the tyranny of feudal lords. Although there is little solid historical evidence of their activities, they are believed to have acted as protectors of the oppressed, primarily in Palermo. Their code of silence and loyalty became part of the Sicilian identity, and many believe that the Beati Paoli were the spiritual predecessors of the Sicilian mafia.
Camorra and ‘Ndrangheta
Camorra is a criminal organization that originated in Naples during the 17th century. It is considered one of the oldest criminal organizations in Italy. The Camorra began developing as a prison organization and later started controlling the local community by extracting „protection fees“ from citizens at the expense of safety.
The ‘Ndrangheta is a criminal organization that emerged in 1860 in Calabria. In this isolated and impoverished Italian region, a culture of relying on family ties for security and mutual survival developed. Like the Sicilian mafia, the ‘Ndrangheta evolved as a closed, secret organization engaged in criminal activities to control local resources and society.
Author: Matija Šerić
Featured image: Wikimedia Commons
