On this day in history, Beyond Boders delves into the intriguing life of Nostradamus, a French astrologer and physician born on December 14, 1503, in Saint-Rémy, France.
Despite facing challenges in his medical career, Nostradamus gained fame for his unique medical treatments during the plague outbreaks of 1546–47.
In the 1530s, he commenced his medical practice in Agen, although he never obtained a medical degree and was reportedly expelled from medical school.
His journey took a significant turn in 1544 when he relocated to Salon, where he became renowned for his innovative approaches to medical treatments.
Around 1547, Nostradamus began making prophecies, which he compiled in his 1555 book, “Centuries.” The book contained rhymed quatrains grouped in sets of hundreds, each termed a century.
At the height of astrology’s popularity, an expanded second edition, dedicated to the French king, emerged in 1558.
Nostradamus’s prophecies, filled with cryptic content, led to widespread fame, earning him an invitation to the court of Catherine de Médicis, queen consort of Henry II of France.
His role extended to casting horoscopes for her children, and in 1564, he was appointed physician-in-ordinary by Charles IX.
Contrary to popular belief, Nostradamus’ prophecies were never condemned by the Congregation of the Index, the body established by the Roman Catholic Church for examining books and manuscripts.
The prophecies’ cryptic style has fueled ongoing controversy, with believers attributing them to foretelling historical events, including aspects of the 18th-century French Revolution.
However, interpretations vary, with some prophecies deemed as yet-to-occur events.
Nostradamus’s mystical legacy lives on, leaving us to ponder the enigma of his predictions and their impact on our understanding of history.
