Battle of Mentana
Mentana, Metropolitan City of Rome, Italy
What happened
Giuseppe Garibaldi's Italian volunteers fought French and Papal troops under Hermann Kanzler and the Baron de Polhès. Italy had been unified, but Rome was still ruled by the Pope and protected by France. Garibaldi led volunteers toward Rome, and Papal and French troops marched out to meet them. Garibaldi's men held the village of Mentana until their road was cut, and they were defeated.
Why it matters
Why it matters: The defeat kept the Papal States independent for three more years. Garibaldi retreated into the Kingdom of Italy.
What came next
In 1870 France recalled its troops for the Franco-Prussian War, and the Italian Army captured Rome on 20 September 1870, completing Italian unification.
Did you know?
The French troops carried the new Chassepot rifle, while Garibaldi's volunteers had almost no artillery or cavalry.
Timeline
- 23 November 799Pope Leo III and Charlemagne meet at nearby Nomentum.
- 3 November 1867French and Papal forces win at Mentana.
- August 1870The French garrison is recalled.
- 20 September 1870Italian troops capture Rome.