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Nostradamus, whose real name was Michel de Nostredame, was born in France in 1503. He trained as a physician and was known for treating victims of plague outbreaks during his lifetime. Alongside his medical work, he studied astrology and the mystical traditions that were widely discussed during the Renaissance.
Because the political and religious climate of the 16th century could be dangerous for those making bold predictions, Nostradamus chose to write in an intentionally coded style. His quatrains combine symbolism, astrological references, metaphors, and words drawn from several languages. This complexity helped him avoid direct confrontation with religious authorities while also making his texts difficult to interpret literally.
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