Cosa Nostra, also referred to as the Mafia, is a criminal society and criminal organization that has operated on the island of Sicily since the 19th century. It is an association of gangs selling protection and arbitration services under a common brand.

The founding of Cosa Nostra dates back to the late 18th century. At that time, Sicily was part of Italy, but ruled by the Spanish Kingdom. Sicilians were dissatisfied with Spanish rule and were fighting for independence.

As part of this struggle, many gangs formed in Sicily. These gangs often provided protection and fortification services in their territories.

In the early 19th century, Sicily experienced a series of uprisings. These uprisings led to the end of Spanish rule and the annexation of Sicily to Italy. However, gangsterism continued in Sicily. Over time, these gangs became more organized and united under the name Cosa Nostra.

The Cosa Nostra became a major force in the 20th century. The organization made huge amounts of money through drug trafficking, extortion, bribery and other criminal activities. In addition to Sicily, Cosa Nostra operated in the United States, Canada and other countries.

Important figures of the Cosa Nostra include Lucky Luciano, Vito Corleone, Joseph Bonanno, John Gotti.

Lucky Luciano; Luciano, one of the most famous leaders of Cosa Nostra, is considered one of the most influential criminals of the 20th century. Luciano is known for his role in drug trafficking and the modernization of the American mafia.

Vito Corleone; Corleone, the protagonist of Mario Puzo's novel and film "The Godfather", represents a traditional, albeit fictional, leader of Cosa Nostra. Corleone is portrayed as a strong, authoritarian leader who values family.

Joseph Bonanno; Bonanno, the leader of one of the five families of Cosa Nostra, is best known for leaving the organization in the 1960s to start his own family. Bonanno's attempt to secede led to a civil war within Cosa Nostra.

John Gotti; leader of the Gambino family in the 1980s and 1990s, Gotti was a gangster noted for his media personality. Gotti is known by the nickname "Teflon Don".

Important events in the history of Cosa Nostra include the Valachi Commission, the Pizza Connection case and the Comission case.

The Valachi Commission: In 1963, Joseph Valachi became the first made man to admit the existence and activities of Cosa Nostra. Valachi's confessions made Cosa Nostra a worldwide phenomenon.

The Pizza Connection case: In 1985, the US Department of Justice gathered evidence that Cosa Nostra directed the smuggling of drugs from New York to Europe. The case revealed Cosa Nostra's role in drug trafficking.

Commission case: In 1985, the US Department of Justice organized an operation targeting the leadership of Cosa Nostra. The operation led to the arrest of the leaders of five families and the weakening of Cosa Nostra's power.

Cosa Nostra has been fought by the Italian and American governments for many years. The governments have carried out several operations against Cosa Nostra and arrested many members of Cosa Nostra.

The Italian and American governments cooperate in the fight against Cosa Nostra. The governments cooperate in intelligence and operational cooperation to disrupt Cosa Nostra's activities.

Cosa Nostra is one of the most dangerous and influential criminal organizations in the world. The organization earns billions of dollars through drug trafficking, extortion, bribery and other criminal activities.

Cosa Nostra has been fought by the Italian and American governments for many years, but it remains a powerful threat.