Well, the deed is done . as of this evening, Giovanni Caboto rests alongside Niccolo Machiavelli in the garage. The 8v Stelvio and the 2v Norge will have to come to some understanding that allows them to live in peace.
Caboto is the Italian who (while working for the Brits) actually reached mainland North America - something his countryman (working for the Spanish) had failed to do before that point. Kinda makes you wonder what would have happened if Italy hadn't been a bunch of petty dukes and princes fighting each other, and had their act together enough to use the skills and drive of all the people that left the country to work for the competition.
Of course, if the Italians had their act together, Machiavelli would never have had the material needed to write The Prince and other works - notably written just about the same time as Caboto's discoveries were beginning to have an impact.
The Norge is named Niccolo because he counsels me in the wise use of power. The Stelvio is Caboto because he will explore the Americas when those who have gone before just tasted the edges...
