Garibaldi hands Naples to Victor Emmanuel II at Teano and advances on Gaeta (1860)

Garibaldi met Victor Emmanuel II at Teano on 26 October 1860, greeting him as King of Italy and handing over control of southern Italy. This transfer occurred as Neapolitan forces retreated, leaving Gaeta as Francis II's last stronghold. The siege of Gaeta began in November 1860, marking the final phase of resistance before the fortress capitulated in February 1861.

Episodes

Background and detail

Background. By late 1860, only Gaeta, Messina, and Civitella del Tronto still held out for the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies. Francis II, the last Bourbon king, had left Naples in September 1860 on advice from his Prime Minister. Following Garibaldi's victory at Volturno in October, the political landscape shifted as Victor Emmanuel II marched through the Marche and Umbria, setting the stage for the meeting at Teano.

The Meeting at Teano. On 26 October 1860, Garibaldi met Victor Emmanuel II at Teano. Garibaldi greeted Victor Emmanuel as King of Italy and shook his hand, effectively handing over control of southern Italy. This act recognized Victor Emmanuel as the first King of Italy, a title formally assumed on 17 March 1861. The meeting consolidated the annexation of southern territories to the Kingdom of Sardinia.

The Siege of Gaeta. Gaeta remained Francis II's last stronghold. The siege began in November 1860, following the retreat of Neapolitan forces. Sources disagree on the exact start date, citing either 5 or 6 November. The fortress held out until 13 February 1861, when it capitulated. This event marked the end of organized resistance in the region, preceding the final surrender of Civitella del Tronto in March 1861.

People involved

Sources

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