MATGA (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again): A Poison’s Resurgence As Resistance
The resurgence of Aqua Tofana, a deadly poison from 17th-century Italy, as a metaphorical symbol in modern social media discourse has sparked controversy and raised concerns about the intersection of historical references and online activism. As reported by Newsweek, this trend, known as “MATGA” (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again), has emerged in response to recent political events, drawing attention to the complex history of women’s agency and the dangers of promoting violence, even symbolically, in digital spaces.
Aqua Tofana Origins
Giulia Tofana, an Italian woman born around 1620 in Palermo, is credited with creating the infamous poison Aqua Tofana in the 17th century. She allegedly learned the recipe from her mother, Thofania d’Adamo, and began selling the deadly concoction to women seeking to eliminate their abusive husbands. The colorless, odorless, and tasteless poison was reportedly so potent that just a few drops could cause death, with symptoms mimicking common illnesses to avoid suspicion. While the exact formula remains unknown, it is believed to have contained arsenic, lead, and belladonna. Tofana’s criminal network and mastery of poison made her a legend in 17th century Italy, with some accounts suggesting that Aqua Tofana may have been responsible for the deaths of over 600 men in Rome alone between 1633 and 1651.
Modern Social Media Trend
Over the summer and spiking in November 2024, a controversial trend emerged on social media platforms, with women using the hashtag “MATGA” (Make Aqua Tofana Great Again) to express frustration over political events and perceived threats to women’s rights. This movement, inspired by the historical figure Giulia Tofana, references the use of poison as a symbolic form of resistance against aggressive behavior toward women. The trend gained significant traction, with some videos garnering millions of views on platforms like TikTok. While participants claim to use the Aqua Tofana reference symbolically, the trend has sparked concerns about promoting violence and potential legal implications for those involved.
Outrage From The Right
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene requested that the FBI investigate these posts. According to the article in Newsweek, the FBI responded “The FBI investigates federal crimes and threats to the national security. We will never open an investigation based solely on First Amendment protected activity.”
Social media creators respond with humor and irony , and of course products!
17th-Century Social Context
In 17th-century Italy, women faced severe limitations in their personal and social lives. Society viewed them as subordinate to men, with their primary roles confined to being wives and mothers under the governance of their husbands. Options for women were extremely limited:
- Marriage, often arranged and potentially abusive
- Remaining single, which often led to sex work
- Becoming a widow, which paradoxically offered more freedom
The prevalence of loveless, suffocating, or abusive marriages, combined with a lack of legal protections for women, created a desperate situation for many. This social context, coupled with the existence of underground criminal networks providing services like poisons, set the stage for the rise of Aqua Tofana as a means for women to escape oppressive situations. The poison’s effectiveness and secrecy, spread through word-of-mouth among women’s networks, contributed to its popularity as a solution to their problems.
Consequences for Women
Women discovered to have used Aqua Tofana faced severe consequences, with punishments varying based on social status. Lower-class women were often executed, while those of higher status might face imprisonment or banishment. Some endured torture, similar to the treatment of Giulia Tofana herself. Social stigma was widespread, with widows who remarried quickly becoming objects of suspicion. In some cases, the Church intervened, either to protect women or to keep scandals quiet, with some finding sanctuary in convents. The secretive nature of the poison’s use meant that many women may have escaped detection entirely, particularly those from upper-class backgrounds who could leverage their connections to avoid punishment.
Reflecting on History’s Echoes
The resurgence of Aqua Tofana as a metaphor in modern social media discourse highlights the complex interplay between historical narratives and contemporary social issues. While the original poison was a desperate measure used by women in 17th-century Italy to escape oppressive marriages, its symbolic revival raises ethical concerns and legal questions. The “MATGA” trend, though intended as a form of protest, risks glorifying violence and oversimplifying historical context.
As society continues to grapple with issues of gender equality and political representation, it is crucial to approach such trends critically, recognizing both the historical injustices they reference and the potential dangers of promoting even symbolic violence. The Aqua Tofana phenomenon, both in its historical context and modern incarnation, is a stark reminder of the ongoing struggle for women’s rights and the importance of addressing societal issues through constructive, non-violent means.
Resources for Women and LGBTQ+ People in Uncertain Times
What will 2025 look like? What will the next four years entail? We have been shown Project 2025, and yet, the majority of Americans have demonstrated that they do not believe it will come to fruition, or they support its values.
All Americans are about to experience a new world, and women and LGBTQ+ people are going to be living at risk.
Here is a list of resources. Some have phone lines, others have online support, and some have both. All are there for YOU. We will be updating this resource listing over time. Visit www.thequeenzone.com for updates. If you have a suggested resource please email that information to contact@thequeenzone.com and put RESOURCE in the subject line.
READ: Resources for Women and LGBTQ+ People in Uncertain Times
