The prophecies

The Prophecies (Les Prophéties) is a collection of prophecies by French physician Nostradamus, which were first published in 1555. The book initially contained three centuries and 53 quatrains. This edition, which was originally published two years after the death of the author, includes ten centuries, as well as the almanacs (1555-1563, and 1564-1567).

Nostradamus' prophecies have remained famous since his death, and with their often difficult to comprehend references, have been brought up when any major event happens, including September 11th, 2001.

Scholars believe that the anagrams, and mythological and astrological references were put in there by the author to evade being persecuted for heresy. Characteristically vague, it is often argued that the prophecies could refer to anything if enough thought is put into it. However, there are some events that many supporters do agree were correctly foretold, including the Great Fire of London, the French Revolution, the rise of Napoleon and Adolf Hitler, both world wars, and the nuclear destruction of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.