The Kingdom of Naples was a state that existed on the Italian peninsula from its inception in the 13th century until the unification of Italy in 1861. Here is an in-depth look at this historical entity:
Historical Overview
- Foundation: The Kingdom of Naples was established in 1282 after the Sicilian Vespers uprising led to the separation of Sicily from the Kingdom of Sicily. Charles of Anjou, a French prince, was crowned as King Charles I of Naples.
- Medieval Period: The kingdom saw numerous rulers, including the House of Anjou, the Aragonese Dynasty, and later, the House of Trastámara. During this time, Naples was a focal point for Renaissance culture, attracting artists, writers, and philosophers.
- Spanish Rule: From 1504, the Kingdom of Spain ruled Naples through viceroys. This period was marked by both cultural flourishing and heavy taxation, leading to several revolts, most notably the Revolt of Masaniello in 1647.
- Bourbon Era: In 1734, the Spanish were ousted by Charles of Bourbon, who became Charles VII of Naples, establishing the House of Bourbon rule. This era saw significant reforms, including the reorganization of the bureaucracy and the fostering of agriculture and industry.
- Unification of Italy: In 1860, Giuseppe Garibaldi led the Expedition of the Thousand, which resulted in the annexation of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies (which included Naples) to the emerging Kingdom of Italy.
Notable Events
Culture and Influence
The Kingdom of Naples was a significant cultural center:
Legacy
The Kingdom of Naples left a lasting legacy in terms of:
- Architecture: Numerous castles, churches, and palaces, including the Royal Palace of Naples and the Castel Nuovo.
- Law and Governance: It introduced some of the earliest forms of constitutional governance with the Constitution of 1799, which was short-lived but influential.
Sources
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