The "King of Sardinia" refers to the monarch who ruled over the island of Sardinia, which is part of modern-day Italy. The title was established in the early 14th century and became significant during the House of Savoy dynasty. The kingdom played a crucial role in the unification of Italy in the 19th century. The last king to hold the title was Victor Emmanuel II, who became the first king of unified Italy in 1861. The monarchy in Italy was abolished in 1946, leading to the establishment of the Italian Republic. Today, the historical significance of the King of Sardinia is recognized in the context of Italian history.