Page "Prince Eugene of Savoy" Paragraph 2

Throughout the late 1720s Eugene's influence and skilful diplomacy managed to secure the Emperor powerful allies in his dynastic struggles with the Bourbon powers ; but physically and mentally fragile in his later years Eugene enjoyed less success as commander-in-chief of the army during his final conflict, the War of the Polish Succession.

Nevertheless, in Austria Eugene's reputation remains unrivalled.

Although opinions differ as to his character there is no dispute over his great achievements: he helped to save the Habsburg Empire from French conquest ; he broke the westward thrust of the Ottomans, liberating central Europe after a century and a half of Turkish occupation ; and he was one of the great patrons of the arts whose building legacy can still be seen in Vienna today.

Eugene died in his sleep at his home on 21 April 1736, aged 72.