Two Girls, One Murder

Today we're discussing organised crime and murder, 17th century-style. In 1659 Rome, a woman named Giulia Tofana received a secret warning. Tofana was wanted by the Papal Authorities. She fled her home for a nearby church, desperate and begging for sanctuary. Clergy could see she was afraid for her life, and agreed to shelter Tofana from the danger and violence outside. To shelter one of the most prolific female assassins in history, thought to have hundreds of accomplices. This is a story about the power of the humble apothecary, subterfuge, and a network of professional assassins. Mentioned: Women, Church and State (1893) - Matilda Joslyn Gage; Toxicology in the Middle Ages and Renaissance (Chapter 6, Aqua Tofana) - Mike Dash; History of Toxicology and Environmental Health (2017) Pages 63-69; https://mikedashhistory.com/2015/04/06/aqua-tofana-slow-poisoning-and-husband-killing-in-17th-century-italy/