Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, was an Italian statesman and a key figure in the unification of Italy during the 19th century. Born on August 10, 1810, in Turin, he became the Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Sardinia. Cavour was known for his diplomatic skills and economic reforms, which helped modernize the region and strengthen its position in Europe. Cavour played a crucial role in the Risorgimento, the movement for Italian unification, by forming alliances with other states and supporting the efforts of leaders like Giuseppe Garibaldi. He was instrumental in the 1859 war against Austria, which led to the annexation of Lombardy and set the stage for a unified Italy. Cavour passed away on June 6, 1861, shortly after the proclamation of the Kingdom of Italy.