Marcantonio Colonna and the Colonna-Orsini Rivalry
Lord of Ceccano, Poli, Frascati, Paliano, Nettuno, and Olevano Romano. Brother of Marcello Colonna, Girolamo Colonna, Giulio Colonna, and Ottaviano Colonna; nephew of Prospero Colonna and Fabrizio Colonna; brother-in-law of Gian Giordano Orsini; and father-in-law of Bartolomeo da Villachiara.
Born: 1478
Death: 1522, March
| Year, Month | State, Comp. ventura | Opponent | Command | Area of Activity | Actions Undertaken and Other Salient Facts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1498 | |||||
| Apr. | Colonna | Orsini | Lazio | Participates in the Battle of Montecelio. | |
| 1501 | |||||
| July | Naples | France Spain | Campania | Taken prisoner with his uncle Fabrizio Colonna at the fall of Capua. | |
| Aug. | Lazio | Excommunicated and accused of treason by Pope Alexander VI for taking up arms against the kings of France and Spain in favor of the Aragonese of Naples. | |||
| 1502 | |||||
| Nov. | Colonna Spain | Church France | Lazio | Leaves a castle of the prefect of Rome with Paolo Margano and 500 horsemen, threatens the capital, but is soon forced to seek refuge in the Kingdom of Naples. Enters the service of the Spanish against the French. | |
| 1503 | |||||
| Apr. | Spain | France | Puglia | At the Battle of Cerignola; with his brother Marcello saves Pompeo Colonna from being killed by some Spaniards, as the latter tried to capture a French cavalryman. However, some Spaniards also participated in the action and prevailed after threatening to kill Pompeo. | |
| Dec. | Lazio | Stands out at the Battle of Garigliano. | |||
| 1504 | |||||
| Jan. | Lazio | At Monticelli with light cavalry. Besieges the Duke of Traietto there. | |||
| Mar. | Lazio | Offers his services to the Venetians. | |||
| May | Florence | Pisa | 70 lances | Tuscany | Initially contacted by Rinieri della Sassetta and Amico Orsini to fight the Florentines in defense of Pisa, but accepts to serve the former against the latter. With Luca Savelli tries to intercept della Sassetta, who is moving from the Maremma Senese to Pisa. At the end of the month, reaches Casciano with his company. Ordered to stay prepared despite having requested four days’ rest for his men. |
| June | Tuscany | At the camp at Cascina. With Luca Savelli and Musacchino di Musacchio is tasked with raiding Riglione and devastating the territory. Dines with general commissioner Antonio Giacomini and Ercole Bentivoglio; reconciles with Giampaolo Baglioni. The three captains approach Riglione’s walls outside artillery range without opposition. Moves from Cascina to block supplies to Pisa. In a skirmish captures 30 cavalry including the Brisighella and a lieutenant of Rinieri della Sassetta. The prisoners are taken to Florence. | |||
| Sept. | Tuscany | Ordered to set fire with bundles of brushwood to a gate of Pisa to incite internal revolt. The attempt fails. | |||
| 1505 | |||||
| Jan. | Church | Comp. ventura | Lazio | With Fabrizio Colonna defends Rieti from the raids of Bartolomeo d’Alviano, who is heading toward Tuscany. | |
| Mar. | Florence | Pisa | 70 lances | Tuscany | Receives an annual stipend of 800 ducats from the Florentines. |
| Apr. | Tuscany | His company is reinforced by 1000 Spanish infantry under Nino di Ocampo, stationed at Piombino. | |||
| May-June | Tuscany | At the end of May transferred to Lari. Early June reported at Bibbona; his men are accused of damaging the territory. Local commissioner Berto Carnesecchi intervenes to stop their pillaging. | |||
| Aug. | Florence | Comp. ventura | Tuscany | On guard at Campiglia Marittima. On news of Alviano’s advance, sends ahead 25 men-at-arms, 30 light cavalry, and 30 infantry who force the enemy vanguard to retreat. Later, with 60 men-at-arms, supports Ercole Bentivoglio and Antonio Giacomini at Campiglia Marittima in defeating Alviano. His cavalry attack with Jacopo Savelli is initially repelled, but artillery under Bentivoglio soon turns the tide. | |
| Sept. | Florence | Pisa | Tuscany | Supports Ercole Bentivoglio against Pisa. After artillery opens a 45-meter breach in the wall near the Barbagianni tower, Colonna commands the third formation, assisted by Chiriaco dal Borgo‘s infantry. The first two formations refuse to fight due to the defenders’ fortifications, so Giacomini and Bentivoglio order a retreat to Santa Croce. | |
| …………… | Lazio | Has disputes with his uncle Prospero Colonna over the borders of Nemi. | |||
| 1506 | |||||
| …………… | Florence | Pisa | Tuscany | In a raid with Paolo da Parrano at Monte di San Giuliano, captures 13 Pisans and 3 Lucchese ambassadors. | |
| ………….. | Lazio | Marries Lucrezia Gera della Rovere, niece of Pope Julius II and sister of Cecilia (wife of Gian Giordano Orsini); receives in emphyteusis the Palazzo Colonna in Piazza Santi Apostoli, the fief of Frascati, 40,000 ducats on the Monte di Pietà of Genoa, 10,000 ducats deposited with a Genoese banker, and another 4,000 ducats in jewels. | |||
| June | Tuscany | At the camp at Cascina. 50 cavalry and 200 infantry under Michelotto Coreglia and 500 militia under Sciarra da Citerna and Angelo da Castiglione join his company. Collaborates with general commissioner Giovanni Ridolfi. | |||
| Aug. | 100 lances | Tuscany | At the camp at Cascina with his company of 100 men-at-arms. The Pope asks the Florentines to employ him against the Bentivoglio of Bologna. | ||
| Oct. | Florence | Bologna | 107 lances | Emilia and Tuscany | Sent by the Florentines to assist Julius II against Giovanni Bentivoglio. Joins the papal army at Imola, musters his men, heads to Budrio. Victory follows in a few days. By the end of the month, reported at Piancaldoli in the Florentine territory. |
| Nov. | Emilia | At Bologna, alongside the Pope, Guidobaldo della Rovere, Giampaolo Baglioni, and Francesco Gonzaga. | |||
| 1507 | |||||
| Summer | Florence | Pisa | Tuscany | Raids up to the walls of Pisa. Seizes 148 heads of cattle in the villages and destroys all the surrounding vineyards. Transports the grapes between Cascina and Ripafratta by cart. The Pisans do not react. | |
| 1508 | |||||
| Feb. | Tuscany | At the camp at Cascina. Devastates the Pisan countryside with his men-at-arms and commissioner Niccolò Capponi. | |||
| Mar. | Florence | Pisa | Tuscany | Contacts the Venetians seeking a command of 200 light cavalry and 1000 infantry; negotiations fail, so he reaffirms with the Florentines. Participates in the siege of Pisa. | |
| Apr. | Tuscany | Devastates crops and urges Pisans to surrender. With Ludovico Orsini organizes a ruse in which 12 Florentine infantry pretend to defect to the enemy camp. They are discovered; 6 are hanged, the rest escape. | |||
| June | Tuscany | The Florentines finally enter Pisa. | |||
| 1509 | |||||
| Feb. | Does not accept proposals from the Venetians (command of 150 men-at-arms and an annual stipend of 12,000 ducats). | ||||
| 1510 | |||||
| Feb.-Mar. | Lazio | Again approached by the Venetians (through ambassador Girolamo Donato) during Carnival: requests the general captaincy in place of Alviano, a command of 200 men-at-arms, and a salary of 50,000 ducats a year, against an offer of 150 men-at-arms and 15,000 ducats. Does not accept the counteroffer. At the end of the month, seen at Nettuno and Fondi with Prospero Colonna. | |||
| Apr. | Lazio | Still at Fondi with Prospero Colonna; receives improved offers from Venice, such as a three-year contract and 2,000 ducats for his plate: the Pope does not permit him to accept. Also negotiates with the Florentines: requests the title of general governor, command of 150 men-at-arms, a plate of 2,000 ducats, and three months’ pay in advance. At month’s end is at Ostia and then returns to Fondi. The Florentines renew their offer; Colonna, however, refuses, preferring service with the Papal States. | |||
| May | Tuscany | In Lucca, to organize his company, which is stationed there. | |||
| June | Church | France Empire | Tuscany | In Lucca, where his men receive three months’ pay. Embarks on the Venetian fleet under Girolamo Contarini with 100 men-at-arms, 100 light cavalry, and 500 infantry. With Ottaviano Fregoso commands the attack on Genoa: together, they lead 100 men-at-arms, 150 light cavalry, and 1,000 infantry, partly mercenaries. | |
| July-Aug. | Captain General | Liguria, Tuscany, Lazio | Land troops move from Lucca and Viareggio; Colonna lands at Chiavari with 700 infantry, captures La Spezia and its castle, crosses the Riviera di Levante with help from the Adorno family, and advances toward the Bisagno Valley hoping for an uprising in Genoa by the Fregoso and Adorno partisans. Given the banner and baton of captain general; papal legate is Rome’s governor Lorenzo Fieschi. No uprising occurs, so Colonna withdraws to Rapallo. Tries unsuccessfully to seize Portofino; reembarks on the Venetian galleys due to the French fleet’s approach. Escapes by sea with Giovanni Vitelli and 120/130 horses; the rest are sold cheaply or given to infantry to ease their escape. The remaining troops return overland via La Spezia and are plundered by peasants. Disembarks at Populonia and the mouth of the Pecora, despite Florentine opposition. Moves through Siena to Perugia and reaches Viterbo, where he meets the Pope. His company quarters in the Sienese territory. | ||
| Sept. | Tuscany, Romagna, Emilia | In the Sienese; falls ill in Pisa’s territory. Leaves for Cesena and meets again with Julius II. Sent to guard Bologna with 4,000 infantry; then sent with Giovanni Vitelli (100 men-at-arms, 400 light cavalry, 2,500/2,600 infantry) to Modena, which rebelled against Duke Alfonso d’Este. Lodges at Ludovico Ronchi’s house; joined by Captain General Francesco Maria della Rovere and Giampaolo Baglioni. Begins demolition of some houses near Porta Baggiovara and Porta di Cittanova. | |||
| Oct. | Emilia | The inferior numbers of papal infantry and discord between della Rovere and Cardinal Legate Francesco Alidosi lead the captains to restrict themselves to raids and skirmishes with the French under Chaumont and the Bentivoglio militia. Colonna takes Sassuolo and Rubiera from Enea Pio; moves to Bologna. | |||
| Nov. | Emilia | Falls ill. Holds a war council at Modena with Venetian general Paolo Capello. Easily repels the Imperialists from Modena. | |||
| Dec. | Offers himself to the Venetians as governor general; his youth is an obstacle. Participates in a conspiracy against Piero Soderini with the Cardinal de’ Medici and young Florentines. | ||||
| 1511 | |||||
| Jan. | Emilia | Takes part in the siege of Mirandola, defended by Alessandro da Trivulzio with 400 infantry: Marcantonio Colonna commands the artillery. Tries in vain to negotiate surrender with Roberto Boschetti; operations resume, and the Pope himself participates in one assault. Eventually persuades defenders to surrender on terms and prevents the sack. Orders the beating of a man-at-arms under Chiappino Vitelli; has an altercation with the captain. At the end of the month, meets the Imperial vicar Vitfurst in Modena and strengthens city defenses. | |||
| Feb. | Emilia | Remains at Modena with 1,500 infantry until the Pope cedes it to Maximilian of Austria as it is within the imperial jurisdiction. Moves to Finale Emilia. | |||
| Mar. | Emilia, Romagna | Returns to Modena, is stoned by the populace while trying to prevent demolition of buildings in the square. Vitfurst intervenes. Leaves Modena the next day. Goes to Ravenna, urges the Papal forces to hinder the French from crossing the Secchia; not heeded. Fortifies Bondeno with 4,000 infantry. | |||
| Apr. | Emilia | Attacked in Bondeno by Gian Giacomo da Trivulzio. | |||
| May | At the Venetian Council of Sages, his nomination as governor general to replace Lucio Malvezzi is discussed but receives little support. | ||||
| June | Marche | Sent by the Pope to Urbino. | |||
| July | Captain General, infantry | Romagna, Marche, Emilia | Gathers many infantry, arrives at Imola, tries to retake Bologna. Sent to Fano by della Rovere to quell disorder caused by local exiles. Returns to Modena at Vitfurst’s request to monitor Chaumont and the French. | ||
| Aug. | Lazio | With Fabrizio Colonna urges Julius II to pardon their kinsman Pompeo Colonna, rebel to the Church. | |||
| Oct. | Romagna, Emilia | In Faenza region to reorganize troops. Moves to Bologna with Melchiorre Ramazzotto; devastates crops in the area. Repelled by the population. | |||
| Nov. | Emilia | Renews pressure on Bologna; enters the fortress of Sassoleone by agreement. Requests leave from Julius II because he does not want to serve under Andrea da Capua; the latter dies, nullifying the request. At Faenza with della Rovere. | |||
| Dec. | 200 lances and 200 infantry | ||||
| 1512 | |||||
| Jan. | Romagna, Emilia | At Imola joins the troops of the Holy League with Giovanni Vitelli, Malatesta Baglioni, and Raffaello dei Pazzi (800 men-at-arms, 800 light cavalry, 8,000 Italian infantry). Besieges Bologna. | |||
| Feb. | Emilia, Romagna | The arrival of the French under Gaston de Foix (1,300 lances, 6,000 German infantry, and 8,000 Italian and French) persuades him to return to Imola. Stops at Pieve di Cento in the convent of San Francesco with Pietro di Paz and Ferdinando d’Avalos. | |||
| Apr. | Romagna | Sent to defend Ravenna with Pietro di Castro, Salazar, and Cristoforo di Paredes (100 men-at-arms, 100 light cavalry, and 1,500 Spanish infantry) with the promise that the League army would come to his aid if the city was attacked. Strengthens Ravenna’s defenses; Gaston de Foix arrives at night with twelve artillery pieces at Porta Adriana and the Rancona (or Zancana) tower. The French, short of supplies, attack immediately; Colonna repels the assault, which lasts 3–5 hours and ends with 300 French infantry and several men-at-arms killed, including artillery commander Busserade. Spanish infantry use primitive explosives and earthenware grenades. Further attacks are also repelled. Meanwhile, the allies are defeated in a pitched battle near Ravenna; Colonna is tricked out of the fortress under the pretense that Alfonso d’Este will surrender to him after defeat. He escapes the ambush and finds shelter in the citadel. The inhabitants, after some delay, decide to surrender and send envoys to Cardinal Federico da San Severino in the enemy camp. While negotiations are ongoing, the defenses are neglected. The French storm Ravenna, and Colonna is forced to witness the city’s sack by Gascon infantry, including killings, theft, violence, rape, and plunder of houses and churches. La Palisse intervenes to stop the destruction; 34 Gascons are executed by their comrades. After four days, Colonna also surrenders due to the ruined fortifications. Released on the promise not to bear arms against the French until July. Goes to Rimini. | |||
| May | Lazio | In Rome, at San Giovanni in Laterano for the opening of the Lateran Council. With Giulio Orsini, Costantino Arianiti, and Niccolò della Rovere is tasked with ensuring the council’s safety. | |||
| June | Lazio | Given lordship of Montefortino (Artena) by Julius II for persuading Prospero Colonna to serve the Papal States. | |||
| July | Lazio | With Fabrizio Colonna protects in Rome the Duke of Ferrara Alfonso d’Este, who visits under safe-conduct to negotiate peace with the Pope, who refuses to recognize him. Escapes with the guest to Marino, pursued by the Pope. | |||
| Oct. | 100 lances | Romagna | Pope Julius II falls gravely ill. Convinces Pompeo Colonna and other family members to desist from action against the Papal States in favor of the French. Returns to Ravenna to confront the Este. | ||
| Dec. | Romagna | At Forlì. | |||
| 1513 | |||||
| Feb. | Emilia | Upon the death of Julius II, enters Bologna with Troilo Savelli (350 men-at-arms and many infantry) to defend the city from possible attacks by the Bentivoglio. | |||
| Apr. | Again contacted by the Venetians. Receives three cannons from the people of Faenza, previously owned by Carlo da Gubbio, captured at the Battle of Ravenna. | ||||
| May | Church | France Venice | Emilia | Sent by new Pope Leo X with 400 lances to defend Parma and Piacenza and support the Spanish against French and Venetians. | |
| July | Emilia | At Bologna with Troilo Savelli and Muzio Colonna. | |||
| 1515 | |||||
| May-July | Church | France Venice | 150 lances | Lazio | Organizes his company, but receives only partial funds throughout July to complete its numbers. |
| Aug. | Empire | 100 lances and 60 light cavalry | Emilia, Veneto | Reaches Finale Emilia with 80 lances as requested by Naples Viceroy Raimondo di Cardona. Crosses the Po at Sacchetta, enters Verona with 100 men-at-arms and 60 light cavalry, strengthens the garrison (1,800 Spanish, 4,000 German, 500 Swiss infantry). Supported by Francesco da Castellalto and Giorgio Frundsberg. Brings in much fodder, strengthens city defenses. Troops quartered in Villafranca di Verona. Harasses the Venetians by cutting their supply lines, sacks Montecchio Maggiore, occupies Vicenza with 7,000 infantry and 500 cavalry. Personally oversees Verona’s defensive works. | |
| Sept. | Veneto | On the Mincio. At Peschiera del Garda and Valeggio sul Mincio with 70 men-at-arms and 200 light cavalry. | |||
| Nov. | Veneto | Leaves Verona by night through Porta Vescovo with 3,000 infantry, 300 light cavalry, ten artillery pieces (including 4 falconetti); surprises Giampaolo Manfrone and Mercurio Bua at Valeggio sul Mincio, defended by 400 men-at-arms and 400 light cavalry. The clash occurs on the bridge over the Mincio. Orders artillery fire; Zuchero, Giovanni Zafa, Barone da Napoli, and Bernardino Calderaro fiercely engage the enemy. Giulio Manfrone is captured, his father Giampaolo flees to Goito. 100 men-at-arms are captured. Due to lack of supplies in Verona, Colonna releases them after confiscating their arms and horses. Enters Valeggio, the 400-man garrison retreats. Has the bridge destroyed, assaults Legnago, enters and captures Venetian nobles. Is seen at San Giovanni della Rogna (San Giovanni Ilarione) and in the Vicenza area. Verona is reinforced by 7,000 more German infantry. | |||
| Dec. | Veneto | Again storms Legnago on market day. Only four Venetian nobles and 60 infantry are in the town as the rest are besieging Brescia. Moves to Cologna Veneta, plunders Montagnana, stations 50 Spanish infantry at Legnago, returns to Verona. In Venice, the Council of Sages discusses giving him command; his candidacy is again rejected. | |||
| 1516 | |||||
| Jan. | Veneto, Lombardia | Still at Verona. Barely quells a mutiny of German soldiers due to delayed pay; advance payment comes from citizens. Makes a sortie with Zuchero and Giovanni Zafa to repel a Venetian raid in Valpolicella, which resulted in much stolen livestock and prisoners. Reaches Ponton, but the enemy has retreated. Later attacks Venetians on Lake Garda with Barone da Napoli, Bernardino Calderaro, Andrea di Liechtenstein, and Francesco da Castellalto. Surprises Giacomo da Vicovaro at Cavaion Veronese with 100 careless light cavalry. Sacks Piacenza d’Adige; returns to Verona, then moves to Monzambano with 4 artillery pieces. Follows the Mincio. Returns to Verona, losing 40 supply horses taken while plundering. At the end of the month, raids Villafranca di Verona. | |||
| Feb. | Veneto | Giampaolo Manfrone blocks river supplies to Verona from Croara (Corvara) on the right bank of the Adige. Colonna leaves Verona with 4 artillery pieces to reclaim the area. Peasants and Venetian soldiers flee to nearby hills. A German captain and 25 infantry are stationed in Croara. In mid-month, a duel takes place in Verona between two of his broken lances, Antonio da Norcia and Girolamo da Criveto, in front of 7,000 spectators. Antonio da Norcia wins. | |||
| Mar. | General Governor | Trentino, Veneto, Lombardia | At Mori, with Count of Cariati Giovanni Battista Spinelli and 4 banners of infantry to meet 8,000 German infantry under Giorgio da Liechtenstein sent by Maximilian of Austria. In mid-month, leaves Verona to meet Swiss infantry led by Galeazzo Visconti; encamps between Sommacampagna and Sandrà; at Bussolengo joins the Swiss. The Imperial army now totals 27,000 infantry, 1,000 German lances, 7,000 mercenaries. Colonna is general governor, command is under the Marquis of Brandenburg (Giacomo di Hohenzollern). Bridges built at Ponton and Pescantina for troop movements. Repels Venetian cavalry attack during the river crossing. Crosses the Mincio; troops spread to Desenzano del Garda, Rivoltella, and Valeggio. Enters Bergamo, imposes a levy on the city to avoid sack. Supports Imperials at Romano di Lombardia; mid-month advances on Asola with Marquis of Brandenburg (300 men-at-arms and 4,000 infantry). The defenders include Francesco Contarini, Rizino d’Asola, Antonio da Martinengo, Pietro da Longhena, Giorgio di Vailate, Bartolomeo da Verona, and companies of Frate da Pavia and Borghese da Borgo. Colonna demands surrender; is refused. Night attack with 32 artillery pieces; morning assault is repulsed, especially by Swiss and German light infantry. His troops are driven back with heavy losses. Defenders seize five pieces in a sortie. Imperial camp withdraws at night. Colonna retreats to Gambara and Pralboino, stays at the Gambara palace. In return, they seek favors. French and Venetians engage him between Remedello Sopra and Remedello Sotto. The French reinforce Pontevico and Robecco d’Oglio. Landsknechts sack Verolavecchia. Crosses Oglio at Orzinuovi, reaches Soncino, Mozzanica, advances to Caravaggio (secures its surrender), stops at Rivolta d’Adda (another clash), and Treviglio, quelling a mutiny with promises, killing a drummer who incited revolt. Awaits Swiss reinforcements under Cardinal Scheiner. French and Venetians now do not oppose his march along the Adda. Crosses at Bisnate, heads for Milan, where the Constable of Bourbon is in command. Colonna leads the vanguard; Marquis of Brandenburg in center; Andrea di Liechtenstein and Landsknechts in rear. Followed by Swiss and artillery with the Emperor, Cardinal of Sion (Matteo Scheiner), and Count of Cariati. The Constable refuses battle. Bread, fodder, and other supply shortages trouble the attackers. Swiss (divided among cantons) desert; 7,000 defect to the French. The French burn Porta Tosa’s suburb. Colonna sends 500 Swiss and Bernardino Calderaro to take Monza, but fails. By the end of the month, the Imperial camp withdraws to Peschiera Borromeo; remaining Swiss and Spanish infantry fall back to Melegnano. On the last day of March, Colonna is at Zelo Buon Persico and Casolate. | ||
| Apr. | Lombardia | Assaults the fortress at Lodi, defended by many French infantry and local Guelfs. Bombards the walls for hours. Refuses surrender requests. Swiss under Cardinal of Sion, Spaniards, and Landsknechts try to storm a breach. Defenders fiercely resist with missiles, stones, beams, and explosives. Fires set to brushwood in the moat smother the attackers. Resistance finally overcome, defenders slaughtered, and Lodi sacked for over seven hours. As a result, 7,000 Swiss who had served the French come before Lodi and rejoin the Emperor’s pay, except for their captains. Marcantonio Colonna accepts 200 Milanese exiles into the city. Moves to aid Sant’Angelo Lodigiano. Pay delays worsen; requests 10,000 ducats in vain; the Swiss retreat to Bergamo, leaving him in Lodi with few troops. | |||
| May | Lombardia, Trentino, Veneto | Attacked in Lodi by Venetians under Teodoro da Trivulzio; leaves the city, goes to Bergamo, enters the Brescia area and plunders. Closely pursued by French and Venetian cavalry, returns to Verona with Marquis of Brandenburg, 1,000 cavalry, German infantry under Marco Sittich, and some Spanish infantry. With Brandenburg and Giorgio di Liechtenstein decides to fight a pitched battle. French and Venetians try to block Landsknechts and 1,000 Swiss with artillery. The enemy at first avoid combat but attack later at Santa Lucia. Colonna narrowly escapes capture and flees into Verona. Famine grips the city. Many desert the Imperial ranks; barely suppresses a Spanish mutiny (over pay), sending the mutineers to defend Brescia. Meets the Emperor at Trento with Marquis of Brandenburg to discuss the situation. | |||
| June | Veneto, Trentino | Escorts Cardinal Scheiner with Gurlotto Tombesi to Chiusa, bound for Milan. In Verona, attacked by French under Lautrec and Venetians under Teodoro da Trivulzio (1,200 lances, 10,000 infantry) while he has 2,000 cavalry and 9,000 infantry. Exits through Porta Vescovo with Zuchero, Bernardino Calderaro, Tombesi, and Giovanni Zafa. Repels 500 Venetian light cavalry at Soave, killing 12, capturing 30 men-at-arms, light cavalry, and many peasants, who are spared from execution. Moves to Villanova with his company, light cavalry, and 10 artillery pieces, sacks the abandoned locality, returns to Verona. Raids for supplies and pay: attacks Caldiero (his standard-bearer and men wounded, all treated in Verona) and Vicenza, sacking the city, plundering monasteries and churches, imprisoning clergy. Later releases them and returns stolen goods. Leaves Vicenza, stops at San Bonifacio, sends loot to Verona. Sacks Cologna Veneta with 3,000 Landsknechts. In Verona, disorder and famine prevail: 800 Spanish infantry and 3,000 Germans desert over pay delays; attempts to prevent it fail. Even 40 of his own men-at-arms abandon him. Only 60 men-at-arms (his own), 300 light cavalry (Zuchero, Giovanni Zafa, Gurlotto Tombesi, Andrea Bua), 1,500 Spanish (Francesco Maldonado), 2,500 Germans (Frundsberg, Marco Sittich, Francesco da Castellalto), and 500 Swiss remain. City lacks food and forage. Spanish also want to leave; with Count of Cariati, manages to stem the exodus by imposing a forced loan on Verona’s citizens, paying a quarter-ducat advance. | |||
| Aug.-Sept. | Veneto | At the start of the month, continues raids to relieve the siege. Leaves the city with Giorgio Frundsberg; major skirmish near Parona; forced to retreat to Verona after losses. In following days, raids Valpantena with Zuchero’s and Giovanni Zafa’s light cavalry and Maldonado’s infantry. Last sortie: leaves Campo di Marte with 3 German infantry flags and 5 artillery pieces to attack at Santa Caterina the Spanish infantry serving Venice. Kills 200 in their quarters. Despite efforts, the siege by Venetians and French intensifies. Builds defensive ditches and trenches behind ruined walls, uses caltrops and nail-studded boards. Prepares many earthenware firebombs. Many artillery pieces arm the city; breaches are covered by animal hides kept wet to hide movements and repel bullets. Lautrec tries mining under the walls; Colonna props up threatened sections with beams, supervised by engineers Piero Francesco and Basilio dalla Scuola. Verona’s citizens are forced to work. Colonna wounded in the arm by an arquebus while supervising. Lautrec sends him a doctor and gifts. At month’s end, pays a peasant 300 ducats to set fire to Venetian gunpowder; he is caught and burned alive by Teodoro da Trivulzio. | |||
| Oct. | Veneto | Spanish and German troops rebel; forced to take refuge in Castelvecchio, pledges the castles of San Pietro and San Felice. Requests a safe-conduct from Lautrec for his men to go to Bologna. Lescun attacks his gate with infantry; Venetians assault Porta Vescovo, held by Frundsberg. Artillery and a counterattack kill 200 French and wound many more, many dying in the following days. | |||
| Nov. | Veneto, Austria | 9,000 Germans arrive to relieve Verona; Lautrec and Teodoro da Trivulzio fortify their positions. The war continues a few more days without vigor. Both sides agree to peace, and Colonna leaves Verona, reaching the Emperor in Austria with Basco da Cuna; 30 of his men receive safe-conduct to Mantua from Lautrec. | |||
| Dec. | Austria | At Innsbruck, guest of Emperor Maximilian of Austria. | |||
| 1517 | |||||
| Apr. | Negotiates with the French to enter their service due to the Emperor’s ingratitude. | ||||
| June | France | Goes to Paris. | |||
| July | France | France | Meets King Francis I, secures an annual stipend of 8,000 francs and the Order of Saint Michael. | ||
| Aug. | Lazio | Returns to his castles in the Roman countryside. | |||
| 1518 | |||||
| Jan. | Lazio | In Rome. Acts as second in a duel between a Ferrarese and a Spaniard. | |||
| Apr. | Lazio | In talks with Pope Leo X. | |||
| May | Lazio | Again visits the Pope; with Prospero Colonna protests the killing of Colonna men at Anagni by Orsini partisans. | |||
| …………… | Contacts Sicilian nobles to stir revolt against the King of Spain. | ||||
| 1519 | |||||
| May | Offers to raise 10,000 infantry for the French due to Swiss threats to the Duchy of Milan. | ||||
| July-Nov. | Lombardia, France | Summoned by King Francis I of France. Stops at Milan for a meal with Lautrec. Falls ill with plague in France in September; by November, able to leave. | |||
| Dec. | Lombardia, Emilia | Goes to Mantua and Ferrara to persuade Federico Gonzaga and Alfonso d’Este to ally with France. In Milan, Lautrec gives him 6 artillery pieces (2 cannons, 2 falconetti, 2 sakers) and 1,000 corslets to defend his fiefs. | |||
| 1520 | |||||
| Dec. | Lazio | With Prospero Colonna takes some castles from the lord of Sermoneta. Disputes arise with the Papal forces. | |||
| 1521 | |||||
| Apr. | Lazio | With Cardinal Pompeo Colonna protests to the Pope about Swiss mercenaries being lodged near their lands. | |||
| May | Lazio | Approached by Papal forces after Renzo di Ceri‘s resignation. | |||
| July | Lazio | Refuses Papal service, preferring to remain loyal to the King of France. | |||
| Aug. | Marche, Veneto, Lombardia, Emilia | Embarks at Senigallia, reaches Venice with 15 followers; lodges at Santa Maria Formosa in ca’ Gradenigo. Meets friend Antonio Giustinian, visits the Doge Marino Grimani, tours the Council of Ten, arsenal, and St. Mark’s treasury. Receives travel expenses to Milan’s border. Outside Milan meets Lautrec, continues to Emilia. Enters Parma with Pietro Navarro and Francesco Maria della Rovere to inspect defenses. | |||
| Sept. | France | Empire | Emilia | At the camp at Zibello with Lautrec; joins Teodoro da Trivulzio‘s Venetians to aid Parma, besieged by Imperial and Papal troops under Prospero Colonna and Ferdinando d’Avalos. Participates in war councils at Fontanelle; later at San Secondo Parmense. | |
| Oct. | Lombardia | With Francesco Maria della Rovere notes the poor imperial camp positions at Robecco d’Oglio; urges Lautrec to advance, the Venetians to move from Pontevico; French delay loses the chance. The enemy shifts to Gabbioneta. With Lescun, Buonavalle, and Vandenesse harasses the enemy rear; sets an ambush by a ruined country chapel. Giovanni dei Medici‘s intervention ends the plan. Leads the vanguard as the army moves to Bordolano. | |||
| Nov. | Lombardia, Veneto | With Milan’s fall to the Imperials, is at Ponte San Pietro near Bergamo with della Rovere and Pedro Navarro (Pietro Navarro). Meets the city captain Paolo Nani; moves to Palazzolo sull’Oglio to discuss with Lautrec and Andrea Gritti joint operations. With Teodoro da Trivulzio captured in Milan, offers himself as governor general to the Venetians. Later goes to Brescia, Verona, Venice with 13 followers; stays at San Mosè in ca’ Dandolo, appears in the College. Discusses Lautrec‘s proposals with the Council of Ten; Antonio Giustinian probes for possible appointment. | |||
| Dec. | Lombardia | On the death of Leo X leaves Cremona to reclaim Parma with Buonavalle and Federico Gonzaga da Bozzolo (5,000 infantry, 600 lances). Attacks the city, defended by Federico Gonzaga with 700 Italian infantry and 50 men-at-arms. Takes position at Torricella del Pizzo; Parma governor Francesco Guicciardini hears of the danger and distributes 1,000 pikes. First four-hour assault repelled; next day, Franco-Venetian troops cross the Po without artillery to avoid being cut off by the Imperials. | |||
| 1522 | |||||
| Mar. | Lombardia | Takes part in the siege of Milan. Dies with Camillo da Trivulzio, struck by stones from a house hit by a large culverin (possibly fired by Prospero Colonna) while positioning artillery. Another version says he was struck by a cannonball that severed his leg. Buried with honors at Santa Trinità dei Monti in Rome, later moved to Fondi beside his uncle Pompeo. Portraits exist at Palazzo Colonna and by Giorgio Vasari in Palazzo Vecchio, Florence. Matteo Bandello dedicates a novella to him. |
Sources
-“Capitano di grandissima aspettazione.” GUICCIARDINI
-“Uomo, e per esperienza e per ogni altra qualità, eccellentissimo nell’arme.” VETTORI
-“Nissuno già mai hebbe più rari, ed honorati doni di Natura amorevole, e di grazia de’ Cieli.” DE’ CRESCENZI
-“Merveilleusement gentil et honneste homme, et fort gentil capitaine.” DE LA MARCK
-“Belissimo di persona e graciado, di statura grande..Ha bona fama nel mestier de le arme..Uno de primi capitani de Italia.” SANUDO
-“In cui erano molti ornamenti di accortezza e di virtù … Acquistossi il Colonna nome di prudente, e valoroso Capitano.. Era veramente questo Signor non tanto per le virtù dell’animo, quanto per la grazia, bellezza (perché fu uno de’ grandi e formati corpi che in quell’età veder si potesse) e dispostezza del corpo, ed attitudine in tutte le cose, sì nel cavalcare, come nel maneggiare qualsiasi sorte d’arme, amabile anco appresso i nemici.” DALLA CORTE
-“Capitano di grande speranza..Persona onestissima d’eccellentissimi doni d’ingegno e di natura..Oltra il proprio vigor dell’animo, era riputato ch’egli avanzasse gli altri Capitani di quel tempo di grandezza di persona, di fortezza di membra, d’una certa viril bellezza di volto, e specialmente di maestria di maneggiar armi di ogni sorte, e di cavalcare.” GIOVIO
-“Marco Antonio Colonna è qui formato/ Il più forte, e ‘l più bel, che Roma havesse./ Del gran valor che ‘l Ciel già gli concesse,/ Verona fa testimonio honorato:/ Et fede ne fa l’Adige cangiato,/ Sì che parve che sangue sol corresse/ De la gente da lui morte e oppresse:/ Onde ne fu sì chiaro e sì lodato.” A. Cocciano. Da un sonetto raccolto dal GIOVIO
-“Diede opera, con incredibil lode, alla militia..Era alto e assai forte; il volto hebbe colorito, gli occhi azzurri, barba e capelli rossi.” ROSCIO
-“Capitan Romano di tanta aspettatione.” ULLOA
-“Passoit poue le plus hardi et le plus civil avanturier de son siècle.” VARILLAS
-“Del quale niuno hebbe né più rari, né più honorati doni, o di celeste gratia o d’amorevole natura di lui; perciochè, oltre all’esser bellissimo di presenza, era ornato di un bellissimo concorso di virtù illustri.” SANSOVINO
-“Capitano di gran valore.” G. BONOLI
-“S’acquistò così illustre fama percioché..fu riputato honorato e famoso capitano di quell’età.” MAZZELLA
-“In giovane età uno de’ capitani più valenti che contava l’Italia.” LA LUMIA
-Con Giampaolo Baglioni e Giovanni Vitelli “Erano condottieri di molta autorità nell’esercito Pontificio.” VEDRIANI
-“Il mio gran Colonnese/ Delle cui palme Italia mia alma s’onora.” CHIABRERA
-“Homo eccellente.” GRUMELLO
-“El son homo de cervello savio e da bene e valente homo…Io dicho che el segnore Marcho Antonio se portò in lo asedio de Verona tan ben del mondo e a Verona ge parsehomo solicito, anemoso, vigilante, valentomo.” BUZZACCARINI
-“In molti fatti d’arme..acquistò honore assai singolare..Era alto, e assai forte: il volto hebbe colorito: gli occhi azurri: barba e capelli rossi.” CAPRIOLO
-“Guerrier magnanimo e prudente.” DE’ SORCI
-“Egli con suo grande honore, era ornato d’un bellissimo concorso delle virtù illustri, e di varia cognitione dell’ottime arti; sendo perciò con sì salda affetione, e de’ Cittadini, e de’ forastieri amati, e riverito, ch’essendo egli ben voluto da ciaschuno, ogn’uno universalmente ancorche di contraria fattione l’ossservava, & honorava.” MUGNOS
-Alla battaglia di Ravenna “…si procura a difender la terra (Ravenna) d’ogni parte/ e la sua giente con mirabil cura/ adatta, in ogni loco il nuovo marte/ con intrepido cor senza paura/ e con ingegnio acuto, & costante arte/ fatti haveva molti fossi falsi drento/ e gran ripari, e spalti in un momento.” DEGLI AGOSTINI
-Alla difesa di Verona “Intelligenza e abilità mostrò al servizio dello straniero.” PIERI
