"Mafia Index" map of Italy

[Eline2015]

Although surrounded by Calabria, Campania and Puglia, I have always been intrigued by the fact that there is no mafia organization (to my knowledge) born in Basilicata

There is a basilisci

[PolackTony]

Although surrounded by Calabria, Campania and Puglia, I have always been intrigued by the fact that there is no mafia organization (to my knowledge) born in Basilicata

There is a basilisci

Correct, of course. Their presence is reflected in the above map in Potenza province. My understanding is that the Basilischi started as an offshoot of the ‘Ndrangheta, like Cutolo’s NCO and the SCU in Puglia.

The old account until the Basilischi was formed was that Basilicata was too poor to have developed its own mafia (essentially, there was too little economic activity for a mafia to exploit and draw a surplus from). Basilicata was historically extremely undeveloped; it was like “the South of the South”. There was, however, a robust and ferocious brigandage tradition in the rugged hills of Potenza, so it wouldn’t actually shock me if some historical documentation were to be uncovered that some comuni there had criminal societies or networks at some point in the past (something like a proto-mafia). Without a doubt, in places like Chicago there were many Lucani who took to the mafia like fish to water.

[Ivan]

Although surrounded by Calabria, Campania and Puglia, I have always been intrigued by the fact that there is no mafia organization (to my knowledge) born in Basilicata

There is a basilisci

Correct, of course. Their presence is reflected in the above map in Potenza province. My understanding is that the Basilischi started as an offshoot of the ‘Ndrangheta, like Cutolo’s NCO and the SCU in Puglia.

The old account until the Basilischi was formed was that Basilicata was too poor to have developed its own mafia (essentially, there was too little economic activity for a mafia to exploit and draw a surplus from). Basilicata was historically extremely undeveloped; it was like “the South of the South”. There was, however, a robust and ferocious brigandage tradition in the rugged hills of Potenza, so it wouldn’t actually shock me if some historical documentation were to be uncovered that some comuni there had criminal societies or networks at some point in the past (something like a proto-mafia). Without a doubt, in places like Chicago there were many Lucani who took to the mafia like fish to water.

Very interesting elaborations on this, fellas. I'm glad that you're enjoying the map!

Anyway, I hunted down the original academic article and it looks like this is from 2010. So, might be somewhat outdated. Anyway, here's the article (it's in English!): https://publicatt.unicatt.it/retrieve/e ... BKA%29.pdf

[motorfab]

Oh ok, I didn't know, thank you gentlemen

[calabrianwatch]

There are updates maps every six months on the DIA website if anyone is interested

[scagghiuni]

Correct, of course. Their presence is reflected in the above map in Potenza province. My understanding is that the Basilischi started as an offshoot of the ‘Ndrangheta, like Cutolo’s NCO and the SCU in Puglia.

funny thing, the 'ndrangheta probably started as an offshoot of the old camorra at the ending of 1800s