Nostradamus

Nostradamus was the Latinized name of Michel de Nostredame (1503–1566), a French physician, astrologer, and author best known for collections of prophetic verses.

Nostradamus was the Latinized name of Michel de Nostredame, a French physician and astrologer from the 16th century. He is best known for his book *Les Prophéties*, a collection of cryptic prophetic verses.

What it is

Nostradamus was a French physician, astrologer, and author (1503–1566). He began publishing prophecies in the 1550s, including annual almanacs and *Les Prophéties*, which is best known for its quatrains (four-line verses). His writings were cryptic, which encouraged later readers to link them to world events.

Why it matters

Nostradamus became famous during his lifetime and even more so after his death. His name is attached to many alleged predictions, but modern historians note that these matches are often disputed, selective, or based on mistranslation. He remains a major figure in popular culture as a symbol of prophecy.

Key details

Born in Saint-Rémy-de-Provence in December 1503, he died in Salon in early July 1566. He is remembered as one of the best-known prophetic writers of the Renaissance, with a lasting influence on literature and prediction lore. In Canada, he remains a familiar figure in English-language media discussions of prophecy.