Victor Emmanuel II, King of Italy, made a significant entrance into Rome, symbolizing the culmination of the Italian unification process known as the Risorgimento. The event followed years of conflict between various Italian states and the Papal States, which had held significant power and territory in Italy. The Siege of Rome occurred earlier, with Italian troops having engaged in military conflict against the Papal forces, leading to the 1870 annexation of Rome into the Kingdom of Italy. On this historic day, thousands gathered to witness the king’s ride through the streets of Rome, where he was warmly welcomed by the citizens who viewed his reign as a unifying force for the Italian nation.The ceremonial entry not only marked a key moment in Italian nationalism but also altered the relationship between church and state in Italy. The Vatican's temporal power was effectively diminished, emphasizing the growing secular authority of the Italian government. Emmanuel’s proclamation of Rome as the capital of Italy cemented its importance within the newly formed nation-state. This act motivated further movements in Europe toward nation-building and the diminishing of traditional monarchies and religious authorities in favor of modern states.