Mapping Waldensian "synagogues" at the Trial of Antonio Galosna, Piedmont 1388

During the inquisitorial process against Antonio Galosna in 1387 and 1388, Galosna shared considerable information with inquisitor Antonio of Savigliano about the locations and membership of heretical congregations in Piedmont (routinely called “synagogues” in the primary material). In this brief analysis, we map these congregations and examine the numbers provided by Galosna. Our findings reveal disconnected dissident communities, with an equal number of male and female congregants across the entire area of interest. We further suggest that additional research into the discourse and interactions at the trial may reveal what factors informed the narrative from which such communities and networks are projected, hinting at the possibility that it may have been the result of the inquisitor’s interest in “mapping” heresy in space to better document it and develop more efficient strategies.