escorted by four armed soldiers. The procession is closed by the Carroccio (cart) pulled by four oxen. on the Carroccio are the Balia, the bearer of the Palio, a valet who plays the "Martinella" and 6 trumpeters. The Carroccio is accompanied by eight soldiers armed with Roncone and is followed by six knights representing many old noble families of Siena: Pannocchieschi d'Elci, Piccolomini, Salimbeni, Salvani, Tolomei, Ugurgieri . The historical procession ends with six pages bearing a laurel wreath. Gallery References Corteo storico (Palio di Siena) (Wikipedia in Italian) Alan Dundes, Alessandro Falassi. La terra in Piazza: an interpretation of the Palio of Siena. Berkeley, University of California Press, 1975. Alan Dundes, Alessandro Falassi, foto di Gigi Lusini. La terra in piazza. Antropologia del Palio, trad. italiana. Siena, Nuova Immagine Editrice, 2005. External links YouTube video showing the Corteo Storico for Palio Di Siena on 2 July 2007 YouTube video showing the Carroccio for PALIO DI SIENA 2 July 2007 YouTube video showing the start of the parade from via San Pietro towards The Piazza del Campo - 2 July 2007 www.jacopodellatorre.com information on how to best follow the Historical Parade Siena Italian traditions Festivals in Italy Tourist attractions in Tuscany