Kingdom of Naples

Tavola Strozzi - Napoli

Domenico Gargiulo - Piazza del Mercato during the Revolt of Masaniello

Province napoletane (1454)

Map of Italy Regno di Napoli

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Flag of the Kingdom of Naples

Kingdom of Naples

The Kingdom of Naples was a state that occupied the southern part of the Italian Peninsula from the Middle Ages to the 19th century. It was established in the 13th century by the House of Anjou and later passed to the House of Aragon, the House of Habsburg, and finally to the House of Bourbon. The Kingdom of Naples was a major political and cultural center in the Mediterranean, influencing the history of Italy and Europe.

History

The Kingdom of Naples originated in 1282, after the Sicilian Vespers rebellion expelled the Angevin ruler from the island of Sicily, leading to the division of the Angevin Kingdom into the Kingdom of Naples on the mainland and the Kingdom of Sicily on the island. The kingdom was often in conflict with the northern Italian states and the Papal States, as well as with foreign powers such as France and Spain.

In 1442, Alfonso V of Aragon conquered the Kingdom of Naples, bringing it under the control of the Crown of Aragon and later the Spanish Empire. This period was marked by economic growth, the development of the arts, and the Renaissance influence. However, it was also a time of social unrest and frequent wars.

The War of the Spanish Succession at the beginning of the 18th century led to the kingdom passing to the House of Habsburg. It was briefly conquered by the House of Bourbon in the 1730s, under whom it saw a period of enlightenment and reform. The kingdom was then merged with the Kingdom of Sicily into the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies in 1816, under the Bourbon king Ferdinand I of the Two Sicilies.

Culture

The Kingdom of Naples was a center of the Renaissance in Italy, with significant contributions to art, literature, and science. It was home to many prominent figures, including the poet Giovanni Boccaccio and the philosopher Giordano Bruno. The kingdom's capital, Naples, was known for its vibrant culture, including music, theater, and a rich culinary tradition.

Economy

The economy of the Kingdom of Naples was based on agriculture, trade, and the manufacture of goods such as textiles and ceramics. The kingdom benefited from its strategic location on the Mediterranean Sea, which facilitated trade with other parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.

Legacy

The Kingdom of Naples played a significant role in the history of Italy and the Mediterranean. Its cultural and economic contributions have had a lasting impact on the region. Today, the history of the kingdom is remembered and studied as an important part of Italy's heritage.