[MR] Wikipedia: Happy Birthday San Marino

[Garth Groff and Sally Sanford]

Noble Friends,

I have commented upon San Marino before, but with the resurgence of the
plague, I am thinking reruns of some topics might be in order. Anything I
can offer to help keep up our interest is probably a good thing.

The Most Serene Republic San Marino was founded on this day in 301 CE by
Saint Marinus as a monastic community. So what's the big deal? Well, San
Marino is a micro-nation, one of the smallest independent nations in the
world at just 24 square miles. It also claims to be the world's oldest
surviving republic. Exactly when San Marino became a republic isn't clear
from the Wikipedia article (Shame, shame!). Its current constitution dates
from 1600, but is based on an earlier set of laws dating from 1300.
Apparently their government, an elected council and head(s) of state (there
are two equal Captains Regent who co-rule for six-month terms), is grounded
in even earlier traditions. Also unique, San Marino is not only a
land-locked country, it is also enclaved by Italy, meaning it is surrounded
on all sides by Italian territory: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/San_Marino
.

O.K. So much for politics. The other thing that is both unique and very
cool is their crossbow corps. Yes, they are a statutory part of San
Marino's tiny army, but only have a ceremonial function. Members wear
medieval garb, perform shooting demonstrations and host tournaments,
assisted by garbed flag twirlers, musicians, and assorted ladies. They are
probably San Marino's best tourist attraction. Their web site is somewhat
chaotic, and being all in Italian (sorry, the English alternative has been
dropped), but it is loaded with photos of folks in cool costumes that will
make almost any scadian green with envy:
https://www.federazionebalestrieri.sm . Have fun searching the site.

Yours Aye,


Lord Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge  🦆