Duchy of Parma and Piacenza

The Duchy of Parma and Piacenza was an Italian state located in northern Italy, in the current region of Emilia-Romagna. Founded on September 16, 1545, it was originally a hereditary duchy for the Farnese family, established by Pope Paul III for his son, Pier Luigi Farnese. The Farnese dynasty ruled until 1731, after which the duchy experienced a decade of Habsburg rule before passing to the House of Bourbon-Parma. It was invaded and annexed by France under Napoleon, but its sovereignty was restored in 1814. Marie Louise, Napoleon's wife, then ruled as duchess until her death. Parma was restored to Bourbon rule in 1847 and was formally abolished on June 9, 1859, when it was integrated into the new Italian state.