SAVOY, HOUSE OF

an Italian family. The founders of the house royal the Counts of Maurie nne, who were their rise from the Burgundian take bordering on Italy. The imp or lands tance of Savoy was due to its position, and to the energy and perseverance with which the Counts of Maurienne strove to increase their territory and influence. The po e ions of the house were immensely increased by the efforts of Peter of Savoy, 1263-68. Genevois was purchased by A made us VIII., who was created by King Siegmund first Duke of Savoy, 1417. In his reign the power of the house reached its zenith, and its territories covered a vast stretch of Western Central Europe. From this time on, however, its power and extent gradually diminished. The Vidommate was lost in 1535 to Geneva. Savoy was conquered by France in the war of 153644, but restored to the dukes by Francis in the treaty of Crépy, 1545. Victor A made us I. obtained Montferrat, 1631, but on his early death was succeeded by Charles Emmanuel Ii. A series of alliances with France followed, but in 1690. Savoy turned against France with advantage to itself. In 1598 France invaded Savoy, and during the 17th century territory had to be ceded to France on three occasions. Ever waning in importance, the history of Savoy practically ends with its ce ion_to France in 1792 and again in 1860. The royal family of Italy belongs to the House of Savoy. See Irary.