Image: Disclosure/Netflix
Released on April 23rd on Netflix, the series On the Gold Route takes viewers to the 19th century, presenting an Italy dominated by bandits in search of riches. In this scenario, we follow the story of Filomena, a young woman who joins a group that aims to recover a lost treasure.
Relying on an old map and many weapons, the group soon discovers that this will not be an easy task. On a collision course with other gangs and government forces, the protagonists face many dangers in the six episodes already available — many of them inspired by real events.
Is Na Rota do Ouro inspired by real events?
While the scripts co-created by Antonio Le Fosse, who also directs some episodes, are fictional, many of them are inspired by events that really happened. While we currently think of Italy as a single country, at the time portrayed in the series the place was still finalizing its formation process.
The historical period known as the “Risiorgimento” resulted in the unification of many territories that operated independently or, in some cases, submitted to foreign forces. The process was especially difficult in the southern region of the countrywhich was famous for instability and banditry.
On the Gold Route is inspired by many stories of groups of real bandits, who fought against the forces of the central government even after the unification of Italy. As the authorities considered anyone who disagreed with their decisions to be criminals, the sources used by Le Fosse proved to be quite generous.
Na Rota do Ouro is inspired by several stories of real banditsSource: Disclosure/Netflix
For many Italians, some of the people who fought during the period became true symbols of freedom and revolt against oppression. The figure of Filomena is a representation of the diverse women who stood out during the era of instabilityproving that it wasn’t just men who were willing to fight.
Series is inspired by the story of Pietro Monaco
One of the main sources used by the Netflix series is the story of Pietro Monaco and his wife Maria Oliverio. The couple was known for attacking wealthy rural property owners, merchants and members of the government, stealing valuable items and demanding ransoms from important people who were kidnapped.
Maria was known for leading many of the gang’s actions, which even kidnapped the Bishop of Tropeia at a certain point in their operations. In addition to inspiring On the Gold Routethe couple’s story also served as the basis for several books and films produced in Italy.
