Nostradamus, a 16th-century French astrologer, had several professions during his life. He was also an apothecary and a physician. Still, he will mostly be remembered for predictions about future events.
Nostradamus wrote his prophecies in quatrains — poems or writing that consist of four lines. All are cryptic and open to interpretation, but some have since come true.
1. World War I
At a time when air travel was an unbelievable concept, Nostradamus wrote of battles in the sky. The quatrain in question seems to be a prediction of World War I between 1914 and 1918. The prophecies also reference safe air travel, which descends into war, so this accurately describes the first global conflict.
2. World War II
Nostradamus seemingly predicted the rise of Germany and the start of World War II. He referred to a child born to poor parents in Western Europe who “seduces a great troop.” In another quatrain, Nostradamus mentioned the name “Hister,” and these two citations have been linked together to prove his prophecy.
3. The Great Fire of London
References to the Great Fire of London in 1666 are one of Nostradamus’ less ambiguous predictions, and it’s hard to argue with his writing. His story says, “Burnt through lightning of twenty threes the six” and a “Fault at London.” “Twenty threes the six” could refer to a year ending in 66, while the remainder of his words refer to the Great Fire.
4. The Assassination of John F. Kennedy
In one of his most chilling works, Nostradamus says, “From on high, evil will fall on the great man.” Those words hint at the position of the sniper at the Kennedy assassination, and the rest of this specific quatrain backs up the link. The seer also speaks of a “dead innocent” being accused of the deed. The conspiracy theories relating to the guilt of Lee Harvey Oswald had an early supporter in Nostradamus.
5. The Death of Henry II
Set against other entries on this list, it’s a moment in history that lacks relevance, but the death of Henry II represents one of Nostradamus’ most accurate predictions. In his writing, he speaks of “The young lion overcoming the older one.” and that death would be caused due to pierced eyes through a “Golden Cage.” in 1559, King Henry II of France engaged in a joust with Gabriel Comte de Montgomery, who was six years younger than the monarch. A shard of Gabriel’s lance hit the king in the eye after entering through the visor, and Henry later died of his wounds.
6. The French Revolution
The words that seem to predict the French Revolution show definite similarities to the 18th-century uprising. Nostradamus writes about the enslaved hearing divine words and arming against the nobility. Those words hint at a peasant’s revolt, and it’s another world event that Nostradamus may have foretold.
7. The Atomic Bomb and the End of Global Conflict
Did Nostradamus predict the dropping of the atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki? One of his many quatrains speaks of “The heavenly dart” and a “Proud nation brought low.” A purge and freedom have subsequently been attached to the horrors of the bombs and the peace that followed.
8. Napoleon’s Rise
Another of Nostradamus’ works refers to “Pau, Nay and Loron,” which links three towns in France. The last of those three is known as Oloron, which believers say is close enough. Nostradamus loved an anagram, and those three towns rearranged to reveal “Napaulon Roy,” an almost literal translation of “Napoleon King” in French.
9. The Work of Louis Pasteur
While many of Nostradamus’ names use anagrams or misspellings, he is specific when he refers to Pasteur. His writing states, “Pasteur will be celebrated, almost as a God-like figure.” Centuries later, Louis Pasteur undertook groundbreaking work in vaccination, microbiology, and pasteurization.
10. Charles de Gaulle
Nostradamus’s critics find it hard to argue against his prophecies surrounding future French President Charles de Gaulle. Once again, he is specific when he writes, “A man named De Gaulle is a three-time leader.” While he was President of France just once, Charles de Gaulle was also the leader of the French Resistance in World War II and the Prime Minister of his country’s initial post-war government.
11. Death of Queen Elizabeth II
In his 1555 book “Les Propheties,” one author claims that Nostradamus accurately predicted the death of Queen Elizabeth II. It’s the view of Mario Reading, who published Nostradamus: The Complete Prophecies for the Future in 2005 — Reading claims to have decoded a prediction stating that the monarch would die in 2022 at about age 96.
12. The Rise and Fall of King Philip II of Spain
One of the more detailed of Nostradamus’ quatrains has been linked to King Philip II, who became ruler of Spain in 1556. He claimed that the first seven years of the reign would bring prosperity before things turned, and a “Young onion” would “Destroy his fortune.” Spain enjoyed incredible wealth under Philip from 1556 until 1587 when the death of Mary Queen of Scots ended the Spanish alliance with England. The “young onion” is said to refer to Henri IV of France, who battled with Philip for much of his reign.
13. The 9/11 Attacks
The issue for Nostradamus skeptics is the lack of any specific dates. Many of the words and phrases used can be twisted to fit historical events, and that’s been the case at times. However, sinister terms are used which are highly accurate when linked to tragedies. In the case of the Twin Towers, Nostradamus states, “The sky will burn at forty-five degrees.” It could refer to New York City’s location on the 45th latitude or the burning buildings falling and creating a 45-degree angle to the ground.
14. 2023 Climate Crisis
Not all of Nostradamus’ predictions have come true, and we should be thankful for that. His ancient texts reappeared before 2023, and there was a suggestion that cannibalism would become widespread. While that may seem far-fetched, he also predicted the worsening climate crisis, which he believed would deteriorate in 2024.
15. 2024 Earthquake in Japan
Ahead of every New Year, Nostradamus’ predictions reappear in great detail. Did he prophesy significant changes and terrifying incidents for the coming 12 months? There’s a theory that he was proved right in 2024 by foreseeing the 7.6 magnitude earthquake that rocked Japan on January 1. Nostradamus referred to a “pestiferous wave” in 2024, which relates to the earthquake.
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