# Kingdom of the Two Sicilies

> state formed from the kingdoms of Sicily and Naples (1815–1861)

**Wikidata**: [Q180393](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q180393)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kingdom_of_the_Two_Sicilies)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/kingdom-of-the-two-sicilies

## Summary
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was a historical state formed in 1815 by the unification of the Kingdom of Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples, lasting until 1861 when it was absorbed into the newly established Kingdom of Italy. It was a Bourbon monarchy and one of the last major states of the Italian Peninsula before Italian unification.

## Key Facts
- **Inception**: 1815 (formed from the unification of Sicily and Naples)
- **Dissolved**: 1861 (absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy)
- **Population**: 8,703,000 (as of structured data)
- **Capital**: Naples (until 1861)
- **Language**: Italian, Sicilian, Neapolitan
- **Currency**: Two Sicilies ducat (1820–1860)
- **Government**: Bourbon monarchy
- **Preceded by**: Kingdom of Naples (1806–1815)
- **Succeeded by**: Kingdom of Italy (1861)
- **Notable cities**: Palermo (capital of Sicily), Naples, Catania, Taranto
- **Notable figures**: Francis I of the Two Sicilies, Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies, Raffaele Cappelli, Rosolino Pilo
- **Notable events**: Sicilian Revolution of 1848, Gancia Revolt (1860)
- **Orders and awards**: Royal Order of Francis I, Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George

## FAQs
- **What was the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  It was a unified state formed in 1815 from the kingdoms of Sicily and Naples, ruled by the Bourbon dynasty until its dissolution in 1861.

- **Who ruled the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  The Bourbon dynasty, including kings like Francis I and Ferdinand I, governed the kingdom.

- **What languages were spoken in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  Italian, Sicilian, and Neapolitan were the primary languages.

- **What was the capital of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  Naples served as the capital until 1861, when the kingdom was absorbed into the Kingdom of Italy.

- **What was the currency of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  The Two Sicilies ducat was used between 1820 and 1860.

- **What were the major cities in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  Key cities included Palermo, Naples, Catania, and Taranto.

- **What were the notable events in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  The Sicilian Revolution of 1848 and the Gancia Revolt of 1860 were significant uprisings.

- **What orders and awards were established in the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies?**
  The Royal Order of Francis I and the Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George were among the notable honors.

## Why It Matters
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies played a crucial role in the political and cultural landscape of 19th-century Italy. Its dissolution in 1861 was a pivotal moment in Italian unification, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy. The kingdom was known for its Bourbon monarchy, rich cultural heritage, and significant contributions to art, literature, and politics. Its legacy continues to influence modern Italy and its regional identities.

## Notable For
- **Unification of Sicily and Naples**: The kingdom was formed by merging these two separate kingdoms.
- **Bourbon Monarchy**: Ruled by the Bourbon dynasty, including notable figures like Francis I and Ferdinand I.
- **Cultural Heritage**: Home to significant figures in art, literature, and politics, including Raffaele Cappelli and Rosolino Pilo.
- **Political Significance**: Its dissolution in 1861 marked a key step in Italian unification.
- **Regional Identity**: The kingdom preserved distinct regional identities, including Sicilian and Neapolitan cultures.

## Body
### History
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was established in 1815 following the Congress of Vienna, which unified the Kingdom of Sicily and the Kingdom of Naples under Bourbon rule. It lasted until 1861, when it was absorbed into the newly formed Kingdom of Italy. The kingdom was known for its Bourbon monarchy and played a significant role in the political landscape of 19th-century Italy.

### Geography
The kingdom encompassed the regions of Sicily, Naples, and southern Italy. Key cities included Palermo (capital of Sicily), Naples, Catania, and Taranto. The kingdom was bordered by the Kingdom of Sardinia to the north and the Papal States to the west.

### Government and Politics
The kingdom was ruled by the Bourbon dynasty, with notable figures including Francis I and Ferdinand I. The government was a monarchy, and the kingdom was known for its political stability and cultural influence.

### Economy
The economy of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies was based on agriculture, trade, and industry. The Two Sicilies ducat was the primary currency from 1820 to 1860. The kingdom had a significant port economy, with Naples and Palermo as key commercial centers.

### Culture and Society
The kingdom was home to a rich cultural heritage, with notable figures in art, literature, and politics. The languages spoken included Italian, Sicilian, and Neapolitan. The kingdom was known for its contributions to music, theater, and visual arts.

### Notable Figures
- **Francis I of the Two Sicilies**: King of the Two Sicilies from 1825 to 1830.
- **Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies**: King of Naples and Sicily from 1816 to 1825.
- **Raffaele Cappelli**: Italian politician and diplomat.
- **Rosolino Pilo**: Italian politician.
- **Matilde Serao**: Italian journalist and writer.
- **Justin de Jacobis**: Italian Roman Catholic saint and bishop.

### Events and Revolts
- **Sicilian Revolution of 1848**: A significant uprising against Bourbon rule.
- **Gancia Revolt (1860)**: A protest that contributed to the kingdom's dissolution.

### Orders and Awards
- **Royal Order of Francis I**: An award established in 1829.
- **Sacred Military Constantinian Order of Saint George**: A chivalric order established in the 19th century.

### Legacy
The Kingdom of the Two Sicilies left a lasting legacy in Italian history and culture. Its dissolution in 1861 was a pivotal moment in Italian unification, leading to the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy. The kingdom's rich cultural heritage continues to influence modern Italy and its regional identities.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
3. FactGrid