Savoy

Savoy is also name of a region of Europe traditionally in the north-western part of Italy, but largely absorbed into France (Savoie) in 1860 as part of a large-scale political deal that brought about the unification of Italy.

From 1416 to 1714 it was the main portion of the independent Duchy of Savoy.

Its capital was Chiamberì[?] (Chambery[?]), on the rivers Leisse[?] and Albane[?], hosting the family's castle and the Savoyard senate. The state included six districts:

• Savoy proper (capital Chiamberì)
• Duchy of Chablais[?] (capital Thonon[?])
• Faucigny (capital Bonneville[?])
• Tarantasia[?] (capital Moutier[?])
• Maurienne[?] (capital San Giovanni di Maurienne[?])
• Genevese[?] (capital Annecy[?]).

In 1714, as a consequence of the War of the Spanish Succession it was technically subsumed into the Kingdom of Sicily[?], then (after that island was traded to Spain for Sardinia) the Kingdom of Sardinia[?] from 1720.

It is worth noting that the seat of the Savoyards remained in Turin, in Piedmont, and the name change was really just a political maneuver designed to secure a promotion from Duke to King.

Sardinia was economically and politically moribund in comparison to Savoy and Piedmont, but traditionally had the title "King" associated with its possession (Regnum Sardiniae et Corsicae), hence the redubbing.

See also: House of Savoy