What year did the mafia start in Sicily?

The origins of the Mafia in Sicily can be traced back to the early 19th century, specifically around the 1860s. It emerged during a period of social and political upheaval, as Sicily transitioned from being a part of the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies to inclusion in the newly unified Italy. The Mafia initially arose as a means of self-protection and local governance, exploiting the lack of state authority. Over time, it evolved into a powerful criminal organization involved in various illicit activities.