Victor Emmanuel II

Victor Emmanuel II was the first king of unified Italy, reigning from 1861 to 1878. He played a crucial role in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italy's unification, which brought together various states and territories into a single nation. Before his kingship, he was the king of Sardinia-Piedmont, where he supported nationalist efforts and worked with key figures like Count Cavour and Giuseppe Garibaldi. Celebrated for his leadership, he is often regarded as a symbol of Italian nationalism and unity. His legacy includes promoting democracy and modern governance, laying the foundation for modern Italy.