The cruiser series honored Italian commanders who had fought for Italy. Prince Eugene had Italian family connections, but he was born in France and made his career in Habsburg service. His inclusion stretches the Condottieri theme because his most famous campaigns were fought chiefly in northern Europe and in the service of a power that held Italian territory. The ship name shows how a regime could adapt a complicated historical figure to fit a cleaner nationalist story.
Notable Point · 18:39-19:14
Why Prince Eugene is an awkward Condottieri namesake
The Condottieri naming theme sits uneasily with a commander whose career served a Habsburg power that held Italian territory.