The term "Italian States" refers to the various independent regions and territories that existed in the Italian Peninsula before the unification of Italy in the 19th century. These states included well-known entities such as the Kingdom of Sardinia, the Duchy of Milan, and the Papal States. Each state had its own government, culture, and economy, contributing to the rich diversity of the region. During the Renaissance, the Italian States became centers of art, trade, and politics, attracting famous figures like Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo. The fragmentation of these states played a significant role in Italy's complex history, leading to movements for unification that culminated in the establishment of the modern Kingdom of Italy in 1861.