R&J Entry #3 - Why do R&J's family's hate each other?

The two families were once war partners. Before the feud started they were part of the same family the moved from Northern Europe to the Italian peninsula. This was back when the Franks, the Huns and the Goths were still active clans. They conquered part of Italy and were very prosperous for generations. Then one day, a rich scheming merchant discovered that the two families had had a minor dispute over a tiny plot of land. All the man wanted was more money, so he created a plan. They were still friendly but both  of the different families were suspicious. The merchant promised the Montague family he had some information about the Capulet family. The merchant did not actually have any real information so just made up a few juicy lies. These lies included one about how the Capulets were going to ambush the Montague family's oldest son on his way to another part of their plentiful land. The Montague's decided enough was enough and strait on attacked the Capulets at their castle. The Capulets were completely surprised and suffered many casualties. Afterwards they declared the Montagues their eternal enemies. Thus the feud began.