Comune of Brescia Commemorative Campaign Medal, 1849

In bronze, engraved to "GIUSEPPE BRESCIANI" on the reverse, 38.8mm, near VF. Footnote: This medal was issued by Decree on March 17, 1886, commemorating the Ten Days of Brescia, a revolt that broke out in the northern Italian city of that name, lasting from March 23 to April 1, 1849. In the early 19th century Brescia was part of the Austrian puppet state called the Kingdom of Lombardy-Venetia. The revolt, headed by the patriot Tito Speri, began on the same day as the Battle of Novara, although news of Austria's victory there had not yet reached Brescia. The Austrian troops under General Nugent, were initially surprised and retired to the castle, from which they heavily cannonaded the city, damaging many of Brescia's historical monuments. A total encirclement of Brescia was established by the Austrians beginning on the eighth day of the revolt, when reinforcements arrived. The following day, General Haynau, later nicknamed "The Hyena of Brescia", came and demanded the unconditioned surrender of the Bresciani. As the latter refused, the fighting continued until late night, when the heads of the revolt decided to surrender. The following day, April 1, Austrian troops sacked the city and massacred numerous inhabitants before the surrender could be signed. Some 1,000 citizens were killed during the battle. For its fierce resistance, the city of Brescia earned the surname "Leonessa d'Italia" (Lioness of Italy).