He joined the forces of Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor, on his visit to England.
In 1527 he participated in the Sack of Rome, and personally escorted the besieged Pope Clement VII from his refuge in the Castel Sant'Angelo to the town of Orvieto.
He then led the papal armies in the siege of Ancona, and later began the conquest of Vicovaro.
His son Vespasiano succeeded him and became Duke of Sabbioneta and Traetto, Marquis of Ostiano, and Count of Rodigo and Fondi.
He was brought up by his sister Giulia, the young widow of Rodomonte's father-in-law Vespasiano Colonna.