Eugene of Savoy was raised at the court of French King Louis XIV. However, due to the alleged participation of his mother in a conspiracy, his application to the French army is rejected. He then departs for Wien and enters into the military service of Holy Roman Emperor Leopold I. Although his abilities were initially doubted, due to a weak physical bearing, Eugene of Savoy turned out to be a cunning warrior and especially gifted military leader. He first asserted himself in the defense of Wien and the breaking of the Ottoman siege in 1683. The victories at Buda, Mohacs and Belgrade followed, the latter one costing him wounds that would prevent him from returning to service all until 1689. He then participates in the Nine Years' War only to return to fighting the Ottomans, precisely at Senta in 1697. The victory at Senta is considered as his most praised example of military merit and leadership. It brought him great renown, affirmation and honor as well as a princely title and large estates.