Who Was Nostradamus and What Did He Predict?

Nearly 500 years after his death, this astrologer and seer continues to instill awe and dread with his predictions. Who was Nostradamus and what did he predict?

By Stephen C. George
Dec 25, 2023 7:00 PM
Nostradamus end times
Nostradamus prophecy, atomic bomb, France Commemorative Coin. (Credit: Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

It’s been said that no one is a prophet in their own land, but the man history knows as Nostradamus would definitely be the exception to that rule.

Famous in his own country — and in his own lifetime — Nostradamus would come to be one of the most popular non-Biblical prophets in the history of the world. That holds true even today, centuries after his death.

Who Is Nostradamus?

Romania 2003 A stamp, Nostradamus prophet and historian. Bangkok-Thailand, January 11, 2023. (Credit: Prachaya Roekdeethaweesab/Shutterstock)

Nostradamus was a French astrologer, physician, and reputed seer. Countless books interpreting his predictions have been produced, as well as documentaries and even TV shows like The Nostradamus Effect, which developed a cult following of its own by constantly promoting the man’s doomsday prophecies.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2024 Kalmbach Media Co.