The Sicilian Kingdom, also known as the Kingdom of Sicily, was a historical state that existed from 1130 to 1816. It was established by the Normans under Roger II, who united the island of Sicily with the southern Italian mainland. The kingdom became a cultural and economic center in the Mediterranean, known for its diverse population and rich heritage. Throughout its history, the kingdom experienced various rulers, including the Hohenstaufen dynasty and the Aragonese. In 1816, it was merged with the Kingdom of Naples to form the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, marking the end of its independent status.