Final Hours

Abstract

This chapter recounts the process of execution of criminals that evolved in significant ways in late medieval and early modern Italy. It details how executions became surrounded with pious action and communal involvement, notably through the foundation of various confraternities that took charge of condemned prisoners in the hours leading up to and following the criminal's death. It also discusses the mission of the Confraternity of San Giovanni, which was to minister to condemned prisoners and “comfort” them according to the confraternity manuals produced to aid the brothers in their work. The chapter covers the principal activity of the lay comforters that includes talking to the condemned men to convince them to make their confession and receive communion before dying. It refers to the wills that the confraternity recorded for each of the condemned men to give them a good death and save their soul in the afterlife.