2. Region of Europe traditionally in the north-western part of Italy, but largely absorbed into France 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 and Piedmont. In 1714, as a consequence of the War of 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 shell game designed to secure a feudal 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, hence the redubbing.