| The origins of the Mafia is a highly disputed topic. | | | | Gabelloti became minor barons but some of the most |
| Many people believe that the Mafia originated in the | | | | corrupt ones refused the post and became important |
| medieval period. According to them, the Mafia was a | | | | Mafioso. |
| secret society sworn to protect the Sicilian people | | | | With the abolition of Feudalism, it became even more |
| from oppression by the Catalan marauders in the | | | | necessary for the Mafia to intimidate the peasants to |
| fifteenth century. However, there is little historical | | | | pay the taxes to the Barons with a cut for the Mafia |
| evidence to suggest this. The "Robin hood" legends | | | | as well. However, the Mafia even represented the will |
| may have been associated with the Mafia of that | | | | of the local farmers, tradesmen and other common |
| time as well. It is also feasible that the Mafia existed | | | | people. They were often paid-off by them to settle |
| as a means for righteous and honorable rebels to | | | | scores or for justice which was obtained by the killing |
| defend the Sicilian people from oppression, Roman | | | | or maiming of someone. Due to all this rose the |
| and Northern Italian control, and outside invasion by | | | | conception of Mafia being "Robin Hood" and even |
| barbarians. Most modern scholars however do not | | | | "Knights".From being known as the "friends of the |
| believe in this theory. | | | | friends" they were soon also known as "men of |
| Others believe that the Mafia was formed near the | | | | honor". The clannish nature of most Sicilians and |
| end of Feudalism. The aristocratic feudal lords | | | | dislike for law enforcement by a oppressive |
| generally lived in their country mansions and left their | | | | hereditary aristocratic government, created a |
| lands under the charge of local managers called | | | | favorable climate for the Mafia to develop. The |
| Gabelloti. These men intimidated the poor men to | | | | nobility may not have actually created the Mafia, but |
| work the estates for poor wages. One of their | | | | it unwittingly permitted the development of social |
| methods were to employ local intermediaries who | | | | conditions that facilitated its macabre growth. |
| could now be considered as local Mafia Bosses. Most | | | | |