Career
He was the third child of Frederick II Gonzaga, Duke of Mantua, and Margaret Palaeologina. He entered Henry II of France"s army and fought in the battle of Saint Quentin (1557), where he was taken prisoner by the Spanish. Their son Charles became duke of Mantua in 1627, establishing the Gonzaga-Nevers line.
Louis died at Nesle in 1595.
He is considered by many historians as one of the courtiers most responsible for the Saint Bartholomew"s Day massacre in 1572. In conspiracy theories, such as the one promoted in The Holy Blood and the Holy Grail, Louis been alleged to be the fifteenth Grand Master of the Priory of Sion.