Battle of Calatafimi
Pianto Romano hill, near Calatafimi-Segesta, Sicily, Italy
What happened
Giuseppe Garibaldi and his volunteers, the 'Thousand' or 'Redshirts', fought troops of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies under General Francesco Landi. On the terraced hill of Pianto Romano, his volunteers attacked uphill against a larger royal army. After about three hours, the royal troops ran out of ammunition and retreated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: It was the first major battle of Garibaldi's expedition and a key moment in the unification of Italy. It showed that his volunteers could beat a larger royal army.
What came next
Garibaldi's forces took Palermo on 30 May 1860. A monument holding the remains of the dead from both sides was opened on the hill in 1892.
Did you know?
Garibaldi is said to have shouted, 'Here we make Italy, or we die.'
Timeline
- May 1860Garibaldi lands in Sicily with the Thousand.
- 15 May 1860Garibaldi wins at Calatafimi.
- 30 May 1860Garibaldi takes Palermo.
- 15 May 1892The Pianto Romano monument is opened.