4. Sicilian Mafia and its tight “connection” to the lemon exportation
Scurvy wasn’t as bad as it had been in the nineteenth century, when it killed nearly 2 million people, but it continued to be a serious issue at the beginning of the 21st century because there wasn’t a real cure for it. This disease appeared during a voyage on the Mediterranean Sea. Along with the crew was doctor James Lind, who was stunned because he couldn’t explain the cause. People were dying, and a doctor didn’t know how to save them, and that was extremely sad but also frustrating. Soon after, he decided to start a treatment for scurvy, more like a “trial” medicine because he had never tried it before.
It took until 1932 for the element to be identified as vitamin C, despite strong criticism of Lind’s theory that some unidentified component in citrus was essential for treating scurvy. The British Fleet, however, began enforcing rules in the 1790s that require all ships to travel with a substantial amount of citrus fruit and/or lemon juice.
By the year 1815, Sicily faced a lively economy because of the exportation of lemons. And because it was a profitable business, soon the Sicilian Mafia showed its interest in it. A 2017 survey found that the likelihood of Mafia participation in a district increased by 54% when citrus crops were present in the region, according to data from reports written in the 1880s as well as around 1900 that described Mafia activities in various parts of the island.
6 Responses
Interesting stuff
Fascinating details. I enjoyed reading them. Thanks for sharing.
Very interesting. Thanks
At the beginning of World War I, observation balloons were so important that enemy forces tried to shoot them down. An Italian biplane pilot was harassing and shooting his revolver at an unarmed balloon observer when the man grew frustrated and threw his map case at the pilot. It hit and briefly stunned the pilot, who lost control of his plane and crashed. The incident remains the only time a balloon defeated an airplane in combat.
The King’s name in The 4th Dynasty was Khufu, not Snefru I believe.
Very interesting would enjoy more like this about our history