Interesting Facts about Nostradamus

When we hear the name Nostradamus, we immediately think of prophecies, oracle, etc. Nostradamus has been again in news and debates (his popularity has rarely ever faltered) for his predictions about 2012 or the doomsday. We all are aware that Nostradamus was a famous prophesier whose hundreds of prophecies have come true till date. However, very few of us actually know about this great seer who lived hundreds of years ago. Here are some fascinating facts that will help you know more about the seer and his prophecies.

Facts About Nostradamus and His Prophecies

Predictions of Nostradamus have always been a subject of interest for many, all over the world. But, do you know who was Nostradamus? Where was he born or where did he live? Let us find answers to these queries in the facts about Nostradamus mentioned below.

• Michel de Nostredame (Nostradamus is the English version) was born to Reynière (or Renée) de Saint-Rémy and Jaume (or Jacques) de Nostredame in Saint-Remy, France.
• The exact date of Nostradamus's birth is unknown. December the 14th, 21st or 24th 1503 are the claimed birth dates of Nostradamus.
• Nostradamus was the second among 9 children in the family. His sister, Dauphine was the oldest one in the family.
• Nostradamus was an apothecary and practiced medicine for many years.
• He had made a drug (pill) of rose petals which was believed to treat plague victims. This pill was also used to treat bad breath and tooth decay.
• Nostradamus joined the University of Avignon to gain the Bachelor's degree in medicine. However, the university was closed due to outbreak of plague and Nostradamus was forced to research on his own for medicines and remedies.
• Later, he joined the University of Montpellier to receive his doctorate in medicine. However, he was expelled as he was an apothecary. Interestingly, the document mentioning the expulsion of Nostradamus is still found in the University archives.
• Nostradamus married Anne Ponsarde and begot six children: Madeleine, César, Charles, André, Anne, Diane
• Since 1555, Nostradamus published quatrains which are found in the book "Les Propheties" (The Prophecies).
• The book was first published in 1555 and since then has never been out of print.
• There has been a lot of speculation about the 2012 'end of the world'. However, Nostradamus has predicted that the world would end in the year 3797
• Michel de Nostredame died in the year 1566.

Nostradamus Predictions

Nostradamus has predicted nearly all the major events in the world. The following are some of the most famous prophecies and predictions by Nostradamus.

Before the war comes,
The great wall will fall,
The King will be executed, his death coming too soon will be lamented.
(The guards) will swim in blood,
Near the River Seine the soil will be bloodied.

This is one of the many quatrains which predicts the French Revolution. The great wall refers to Bastille, the King was executed and river Seine in France was bloodied due to the terrible guillotine.

From the depths of the West of Europe,
A young child will be born of poor people,
He who by his tongue will seduce a great troop;
His fame will increase towards the realm of the East.

This prediction is about the rise of Adolf Hitler who was born in West of Europe (Austria) in a poor family. You must be aware the Hitler was a great orator and his speech influenced many people. His fame was spread to East because of his alliance with Japan.

The last son of the man with the prophet's name
will bring Diana to her day of rest.
At a distance they wander in frenetic grief.
Delivering a great people from ruin.

The quatrain predicts about the death of Diana, Princess of Wales. She died with her boyfriend Dodi (he was son of 'Mohamed' Al Fayed). They both died at a distance from their homes, i.e., in France.

Although the predictions of Nostradamus are still debatable, one cannot disagree the fact that more than hundred of his predictions have come true till date. It has been more than 500 years now from the date Nostradamus made his predictions, but, the mystery and curiosity about his prophecies still continues!