Duchy of Savoy facts for kids
The Duchy of Savoy was an important state in Europe, located in parts of what are now northern Italy and southwest France. It was ruled by the Savoy family, who took their name from this region.
For many years, from 1416 to 1562, the capital city of the Duchy was Chambéry. Later, from 1562 to 1713, the capital moved to Turin. The person next in line to become the ruler was usually called the Prince of Piedmont. The main home for the Savoy family was the beautiful Royal Palace of Turin.
The Duchy of Savoy started as a smaller area called a county. But in 1416, it became a full Duchy. It grew much larger over time, especially when the Kingdom of Sardinia became part of the Savoy family's lands. Some parts of the Duchy of Milan were also added earlier. The Duchy of Savoy was neighbors with other states like the Duchy of Parma and the bigger, richer Grand Duchy of Tuscany. These states often became close through marriages between their princes and princesses.
In 1860, a special agreement called the Treaty of Turin meant that the Duchy of Savoy became part of France. The last ruler of the Duchy of Savoy, Victor Emmanuel II, later became the first King of Italy. This helped unite many smaller states into the modern country of Italy.
Who Ruled Savoy?
Sometimes, a ruler might be too young or unable to govern. In such cases, a "regent" steps in to rule for them. Here are some important regents of the Duchy of Savoy:
- Christine of France: She was a regent for her sons, first Francis Hyacinth and then Charles Emmanuel II.
- Marie Jeanne of Savoy: She was a regent for her young son, who would later become Victor Amadeus II of Sardinia. She ruled from 1675 to 1680.
- Victor Amadeus, Prince of Piedmont: He acted as regent for his father in 1713.
Images for kids
-
A map showing the Italian Peninsula in 1499.
See also
In Spanish: Ducado de Saboya para niños
