Prospero Colonna | |
|---|---|
 Portrait of Prospero Colonna. | |
| Nickname(s) | Cuntatore |
| Born | 1452 Civita Latina, Lazio |
| Died | 30 December 1523 Duchy of Milan |
| Buried | |
| Allegiance |  Papal States Kingdom of France Duchy of Milan Kingdom of Naples Spanish Empire Holy Roman Empire |
| Service | Army |
| Years of service | 1484-1523 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles / wars | |
Prospero Colonna (1452–1523), sometimes referred to as Prosper Colonna, was an Italian condottiero who was active during the Italian wars and served France, Spain, the Holy Roman Empire and various Italian states.
His military career spanned 40 years, serving French royals, Kings of Naples, Dukes of Milan, Popes, the Catholic Monarchs of Spain and Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor. Along with his rival Bartolomeo d'Alviano, he is considered the best Italian general of his age.[1] For his prowess at defensive and counteroffensive warfare, he was regarded as the new Quintus Fabius Maximus Cunctator, earning the nickname Cuntatore.[2] His connections and career allowed him to become a great feudal lord in the Spanish viceroyalty of Naples.[3]
- ^ Guicciardini, Storia d'Italia, IV, p. 212
- ^ Francesco Guicciardini tra ragione e inquietudine: atti del convegno internazionale di Liège, 17-18 febbraio 2004, 2005, ISBN 9782870192894, p.150
- ^ Urban, William (2011). Matchlocks to Flintlocks: Warfare in Europe and Beyond, 1500–1700. Pen & Sword. ISBN 9781781599426.