Nostradamus Prophecies All Prophecies 60 Q&A entries in total
Century I-16: Saturn and Agricultural Disaster
Nostradamus: "Saturn in Sagittarius at the turn of the water. At its highest exaltation: plague, famine, death by war. The century and age are renewed."
Century I-17: Climate Catastrophe
Nostradamus: "For forty years the rainbow shall not appear. For forty years it will be seen every day. The dry earth will grow more parched, and great floods when it is seen."
Century I-25: Louis Pasteur
Nostradamus: "Lost, found, hidden for so long a time, a pastor/Pasteur will be honored as a demigod. This is when the Moon completes her great cycle, but by other rumors he shall be dishonored."
Century I-26: JFK Assassination
Nostradamus: "The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt. An evil deed foretold by the bearer of a petition. According to the prediction, another falls at night. Conflict at Reims, London, and pestilence in Tuscany."
Century I-35: Death of Henry II
Nostradamus: "The young lion will overcome the older one, on the field of combat in a single battle. He will pierce his eyes through a golden cage, two wounds made one, then he dies a cruel death."
Century I-43: Before the Change of Empire
Nostradamus: "Before the change of Empire, a most marvelous event will take place. The field moved, the pillar of porphyry changed, placed upon the gnarled rock."
Century I-46: Celestial Event Near Auch
Nostradamus: "Very near Auch, among three brothers. That which will destroy the great city will come from the sky."
Century I-48: Age of the Moon
Nostradamus: "Twenty years of the Moon's reign have passed. Seven thousand years another shall hold his monarchy. When the Sun takes up his remaining days. Then is my prophecy accomplished and done."
Century I-56: Great Change of the Earth
Nostradamus: "Sooner and later you will see great changes made. Extreme horrors and vengeances. For as the Moon is led by its angel, the heavens draw near to the Balance."
Century I-60: Napoleon's Rise
Nostradamus: "An Emperor shall be born near Italy, who shall cost the Empire dearly. They will say, when they see his allies, that he is less a prince than a butcher."
Century I-69: Great Mountain Falls Seven Stadia
Nostradamus: "The great mountain, seven stadia round. After peace, war, famine, flooding. It will spread far, drowning great countries. Even ancient foundations and their mighty ruins."
Century I-84: Moon Landing
Nostradamus: "The Moon obscured in deep darkness. Her young prophet seen by his disciple. A day on earth spent in fervent study."
Century I-87: Great Earthquake
Nostradamus: "Earth-shaking fire from the center of the Earth will cause tremors around the New City. Two great rocks will war for a long time, then Arethusa will redden a new river."
Century II-6: Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Nostradamus: "Within two cities there will be scourges the like of which was never seen. Famine within plague, people driven out by steel. Crying to the great immortal God for relief."
Century II-24: Hitler's Rise
Nostradamus: "From the depths of Western 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."
Also III-35: "From the deepest part of Europe, a young child born of poor people. He who by his speech will seduce a great multitude; his reputation grows near the realm of Hister."
Century II-28: Princess Diana's Death
Nostradamus: "The last honored one among those of her rank falls in the midst of her companions. She will no longer rest on a golden bed. Her greatness will be placed in the lowest depths."
Century II-43: The Great Comet
Nostradamus: "During the appearance of the bearded star, the three great princes will be made enemies. Struck from the sky, peace on earth quakes. Po overflows, a serpent placed on the shore."
Century II-46: Great Celestial Event
Nostradamus: "A great bearded star shall be seen in the sky. After the great plague, three great ones will die. The catastrophe strikes the earth; the world becomes small. After the flood, two places each in conflict."
Century II-51: Great Fire of London
Nostradamus: "The blood of the just shall be demanded of London, burnt by fire in the year '66. The ancient Dame shall fall from her high place, and many of the same sect shall be killed."
Century II-53: COVID-19 Pandemic
Nostradamus: "The great plague of the maritime city will not cease until there be avenged the death of the just blood, condemned for a price without crime. The great lady outraged by the pretense."
Century II-62: Mabus and the Great Fire
Nostradamus: "Mabus will soon die, then will come a horrible destruction of people and animals. Then suddenly vengeance will be seen: hundred hands, thirst, famine, when the comet passes."
Century II-89: US-Soviet Cold War
Nostradamus: "Two great leaders will finally become friends. Their great power will be seen to increase. The New World will be at the height of its power. To the bloody one, the number is recounted."
Century III-2: Divine Word from the Sky
Nostradamus: "The divine word shall descend from heaven. It shall not go further. There will be a great secret revealed at the time of the next offering."
Century III-4: Age of Peace After Wars
Nostradamus: "When the deficiency of the Moon approaches, they are not far from each other. Cold, drought, danger near the frontiers. Even where the oracle has its origin."
Century III-44: Animals Shall Speak
Nostradamus: "When animals familiar to man begin to speak, after great pains and difficulty. The lightning to the virgin shall be harmful, taken from earth and suspended in the air."
Century III-57: British Monarchy Crisis
Nostradamus: "Seven times the British nation will change, stained with blood for two hundred and ninety years. Not at all free through Germanic support. Aries fears his protector Poland."
Century III-59: Third World War
Nostradamus: "Barbarian empire usurped by the third. The greater part of his blood he will put to death. By senility, death through his country's hand."
Century III-94: Forgotten After 500 Years
Nostradamus: "For more than five hundred years, he shall not be reckoned. He who was the ornament of his time. Then suddenly great clarity shall emerge, making those of that century very content."
Century III-97: Arab Spring
Nostradamus: "A new law will occupy a new land, around Syria, Judea, and Palestine. The great barbarian empire will crumble before the century of the Sun is determined."
Century IV-68: American Revolution
Nostradamus: "Not far from a great river, the earth submerged by sea waters. Near five parts, that great continent will sink in war and deluge of the great."
Century IV-75: Those Ready to Fight
Nostradamus: "He who was ready to fight shall desert his post. The chief of Lyon conquered by his adversary."
Century IV-82: Ukraine War
Nostradamus: "A great army from Slavonia will march. The old destroyer will ruin a city. He will see his Romania quite desolate, and then will not know how to extinguish the great flame."
Century V-8: Wars After New World Discovery
Nostradamus: "There will be unleashed live fire, hidden death, inside globes — horrible and frightful. By night the city reduced to rubble by the fleet. The city on fire, the enemy amenable."
Century V-46: Decline of the Church
Nostradamus: "By the quarrels and new disputes of cardinals. When the elected Sabine is oppressed. They will produce great rumors against him. And the great old one shall be frozen out."
Century V-53: New Religious Law
Nostradamus: "The law of Sun and Venus shall be contended. Appropriating the spirit of prophecy. Neither one nor the other will be heard. The law of the great Messiah retained through the Sun."
Century V-90: Calamity of Greece
Nostradamus: "In the Greek islands shall be born one so cruel. He shall be driven from the throne. A king shall come who shall bring such a great plague without any law."
Century VI-24: War After Long Peace
Nostradamus: "After a long period of peace praised, throughout Italy and France, blood, fire, plague, and death."
Century VI-97: 9/11 Attacks
Nostradamus: "The sky will burn at forty-five degrees. Fire approaches the great New City. In an instant a great scattered flame leaps up, when one will want to demand proof of the Normans."
Also X-72: "In the year 1999, seventh month, a great King of Terror will descend from the sky."
Century VIII-1: French Wars of Religion
Nostradamus: "Alas! What great conflict prepares! Many will be ready. Father against son. The great one will fall."
Century VIII-17: The Suddenly Rich Will Suffer
Nostradamus: "Those suddenly enriched shall be struck down by three wounds. The world in turmoil. So many betrayals."
Century VIII-57: Napoleon's Exile
Nostradamus: "From a simple soldier, he will attain to Empire. He will exchange the short robe for the long. Brave in arms, much worse toward the Church. He vexes the priests as water fills a sponge."
Century VIII-77: The Third Antichrist
Nostradamus: "The Third Antichrist soon to come, far more terrible than the first two. He shall reign twenty-seven years in rivers of blood."
Century IX-16: Franco Rules Spain
Nostradamus: "From Castile, Franco will come forth from the assembly. The ambassadors will not agree. Those of Riviera will be in conflict. And they will refuse the great one entry into the Gulf."
Century IX-20: French Revolution
Nostradamus: "By night will come through the forest of Reines, two couples by a roundabout route, the Queen a white stone. A monk-king in grey at Varennes. Elected Cap causes tempest, fire, blood, and slice."
Century IX-34: Execution of Charles I
Nostradamus: "The lone husband shall be mitered and crowned, his return shall cause conflict anew."
Century X-42: Humanity's Final Destiny
Nostradamus: "The human realm of angelic governance. It will cause peace and unity. War captive halfway through. For a long time peace will be maintained."
Century X-72: King of Terror in 1999
Nostradamus: "In the year 1999, seventh month, from the sky will come a great King of Terror, to bring back to life the great King of the Mongols. Before and after Mars reigns by good luck."
Century X-74: The Seventh Great Number
Nostradamus: "The year the great seventh number is accomplished. It will appear at the time of the games of slaughter. Not far from the great millennial age. When the dead will come out of their graves."
Quatrain 2025-1: Cruel Wars and Return
Nostradamus: "Cruel wars are being prepared. In that year, the plague more terrible than enemies. The youth of France shall suffer terrible hardship."
Quatrain 2025-2: Plague Worse Than Enemies
Nostradamus: "In many places the plague rages. Suffering worse than torment from the enemy. Finally all will seek new refuge."
Quatrain 2025-3: The Bee Swarm Quatrain
Nostradamus: "The king of bees shall lose his swarm. The new Napoleon will not be crowned. Under the tricolor, the empire shall change."
Quatrain 2025-4: Seven Months War
Nostradamus: "War shall last seven months. People will die from wickedness. Rouen and Evreux will not surrender to the king."
Quatrain 2025-5: Solar Eclipse Omen
Nostradamus: "On the day of the eclipse, a monster shall be seen. Each interprets differently: the price too high, none prepared. No one expected this day."
Quatrain 2025-6: Cities Flooded
Nostradamus: "The great city will be flooded by water. The sea will breach the levees. People will seek refuge on rooftops."
Quatrain 2025-7: Iron Birds and Silent Voice
Nostradamus: "Iron birds shall fly without a pilot. A silent voice will spread across the world. People will speak to machines, and the machines shall answer."
Quatrain 2026-1: New Alliance of the East
Nostradamus: "The East will form a new alliance. Two great dragons shall shake hands. The eagle of the West will be uneasy. The old order shall be broken."
Quatrain 2026-2: Wrath of the Volcano
Nostradamus: "The long-sleeping mountain shall awaken once more. Ash will cover the sky, obscuring the sun. Nearby cities will be abandoned."
Quatrain 2026-3: End of Currency
Nostradamus: "Old currency will lose its value. A new way of exchange will appear. No need to carry gold or silver. Everything shall be recorded in numbers."
Quatrain 2026-4: Mediterranean Conflict
Nostradamus: "The Mediterranean shall become a theater of war. Ships burn in the harbor. Three nations fight over an island."
Nostradamus's Ultimate Prophecy: Year 3797
Nostradamus: "My prophecies shall extend to the year 3797 AD." — Nostradamus's statement in the Preface to Les Prophéties.
Prophecy Verification Evaluating predictions against reality for expired time points
Century I-16: Saturn and Agricultural Disaster
Nostradamus: "Saturn in Sagittarius at the turn of the water. At its highest exaltation: plague, famine, death by war. The century and age are renewed."
A general prediction of famine and plague, matching events like the Black Death of 1348.
The Black Death swept across Europe in 1348, killing roughly one-third to one-half of Europe's population. 'Plague, famine, death by war' certainly describes medieval Europe. However, this is a general astrological disaster prediction, not targeted at specific events.
Century V-8: Wars After New World Discovery
Nostradamus: "There will be unleashed live fire, hidden death, inside globes — horrible and frightful. By night the city reduced to rubble by the fleet. The city on fire, the enemy amenable."
Interpreted as colonial wars and the destruction of indigenous peoples in the Americas.
Spanish conquistadors destroyed the Aztec and Inca empires in the 16th century, killing vast numbers of indigenous people through warfare and European diseases. However, the specific connection to this quatrain is tenuous.
Century I-35: Death of Henry II
Nostradamus: "The young lion will overcome the older one, on the field of combat in a single battle. He will pierce his eyes through a golden cage, two wounds made one, then he dies a cruel death."
This is Nostradamus's most famous verified prediction. King Henry II of France was fatally wounded in a 1559 jousting tournament when the young Count de Montgomery's lance shattered through the king's golden visor, piercing his eye and temple. He died ten days later in agony.
On June 30, 1559, King Henry II of France jousted against the young Count de Montgomery during celebrations for his daughter's wedding. Montgomery's lance shattered, piercing the king's golden visor and entering his eye and temple — two wounds in one. Henry died on July 10. The 'young lion', 'golden cage', 'two wounds made one', and 'cruel death' all match precisely.
Century VIII-1: French Wars of Religion
Nostradamus: "Alas! What great conflict prepares! Many will be ready. Father against son. The great one will fall."
Believed to predict the bloody conflict between Catholics and Huguenots during the French Wars of Religion (1562-1598).
The St. Bartholomew's Day Massacre on August 24, 1572, saw Catholics slaughter thousands of Huguenots. The French Wars of Religion lasted over 30 years — truly 'father against son'. However, the description is very general.
Century IX-34: Execution of Charles I
Nostradamus: "The lone husband shall be mitered and crowned, his return shall cause conflict anew."
The 'lone husband crowned' facing conflict is interpreted as King Charles I of England, defeated in the English Civil War and executed.
King Charles I was defeated in the English Civil War and publicly executed on January 30, 1649 — a rare instance of a European monarch being formally tried and beheaded. 'Lone husband' could refer to Charles being isolated. However, the text is ambiguous and interpretations vary widely.
Century II-51: Great Fire of London
Nostradamus: "The blood of the just shall be demanded of London, burnt by fire in the year '66. The ancient Dame shall fall from her high place, and many of the same sect shall be killed."
The 'year 66' directly corresponds to 1666. The Great Fire of London destroyed Old St. Paul's Cathedral ('ancient Dame') and over 13,000 houses.
From September 2-5, 1666, the Great Fire of London spread from a bakery on Pudding Lane, destroying much of the city including 87 churches and Old St. Paul's Cathedral ('ancient Dame fell from high place'), plus over 13,200 houses. The reference to '66' and London burning match precisely.
Century II-46: Great Celestial Event
Nostradamus: "A great bearded star shall be seen in the sky. After the great plague, three great ones will die. The catastrophe strikes the earth; the world becomes small. After the flood, two places each in conflict."
'Great bearded star' refers to a comet. This prophecy is linked to political upheavals coinciding with major comet appearances.
The Great Comet of 1680 was one of the brightest in history, and several major European leaders died in subsequent years. But prominent deaths following comet appearances are not particularly unusual.
Century III-57: British Monarchy Crisis
Nostradamus: "Seven times the British nation will change, stained with blood for two hundred and ninety years. Not at all free through Germanic support. Aries fears his protector Poland."
Interpreted as Britain's political and religious upheavals from 1603-1689, including the Civil War, Republic, and Glorious Revolution.
Britain indeed underwent multiple major political changes in the 17th century: James I's accession, Charles I's execution, Cromwell's Commonwealth, Charles II's Restoration, and the Glorious Revolution. 'Seven changes' roughly matches. 'Germanic support' could refer to the House of Hanover. Specific details remain debated.
Century IV-68: American Revolution
Nostradamus: "Not far from a great river, the earth submerged by sea waters. Near five parts, that great continent will sink in war and deluge of the great."
A 'great continent' near a 'great river' (Mississippi) experiencing 'war' is interpreted as the American Revolution.
The American Revolution (1775-1783) did occur on the North American continent near the Mississippi River. However, this description is very general and could apply to conflicts in many regions of the world.
Century IX-20: French Revolution
Nostradamus: "By night will come through the forest of Reines, two couples by a roundabout route, the Queen a white stone. A monk-king in grey at Varennes. Elected Cap causes tempest, fire, blood, and slice."
Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette fled through the forest toward Reines but were captured at Varennes. 'Elected Cap' refers to the Bourbon/Capet dynasty. The revolution brought tempest, fire, and the guillotine ('slice').
On June 20, 1791, Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette disguised themselves and fled toward the border through forests near Reines, but were recognized and arrested in the town of Varennes. The 'monk-king in grey' accurately describes Louis's disguise. The Revolution indeed brought tempest, fire, and bloodshed (the guillotine). The specific mention of 'Varennes' is considered one of the strongest pieces of evidence for fulfillment.
Century I-60: Napoleon's Rise
Nostradamus: "An Emperor shall be born near Italy, who shall cost the Empire dearly. They will say, when they see his allies, that he is less a prince than a butcher."
Napoleon was born in 1769 in Corsica (near Italy). His imperial conquests came at enormous cost to France and Europe.
Napoleon was born in Corsica in 1769, geographically 'near Italy'. He established the French Empire at enormous cost — millions died in the Napoleonic Wars. 'Less a prince than a butcher' partially matches Napoleon's military dictator image. However, the language is general enough to apply to multiple historical figures.
Century VIII-57: Napoleon's Exile
Nostradamus: "From a simple soldier, he will attain to Empire. He will exchange the short robe for the long. Brave in arms, much worse toward the Church. He vexes the priests as water fills a sponge."
Napoleon rose from common soldier to Emperor ('short robe to long'), and had tense relations with the Church.
Napoleon began his military career as a sub-lieutenant in 1785 and crowned himself Emperor in 1804 — truly 'from simple soldier to Empire'. He had complex relations with the Church, even imprisoning Pope Pius VII. 'Short robe to long' vividly describes the transition from military uniform to coronation robes.
Century V-90: Calamity of Greece
Nostradamus: "In the Greek islands shall be born one so cruel. He shall be driven from the throne. A king shall come who shall bring such a great plague without any law."
Interpreted as Ottoman suppression during the Greek War of Independence in 1821.
During the Greek War of Independence in 1821, the Ottoman Empire brutally suppressed the Greeks, causing massive civilian casualties. However, the prediction is too broad.
Century I-25: Louis Pasteur
Nostradamus: "Lost, found, hidden for so long a time, a pastor/Pasteur will be honored as a demigod. This is when the Moon completes her great cycle, but by other rumors he shall be dishonored."
'Pasteur' is directly named. Louis Pasteur discovered microbial pathogens — hidden knowledge found after being lost for ages — and was revered as a near-divine figure in science.
Louis Pasteur (1822-1895) discovered the link between microbes and disease, invented pasteurization and the rabies vaccine, and is revered as the father of microbiology. 'Pasteur' in the original French means both 'pastor/shepherd' and happens to be Pasteur's surname. 'Hidden thing found' fits the microbiology breakthrough. However, the word has multiple meanings, so whether it specifically refers to Pasteur is debated.
Century I-87: Great Earthquake
Nostradamus: "Earth-shaking fire from the center of the Earth will cause tremors around the New City. Two great rocks will war for a long time, then Arethusa will redden a new river."
Interpreted as an earthquake prophecy, possibly referring to the 1906 San Francisco earthquake or other major seismic events.
On April 18, 1906, a 7.9 magnitude earthquake struck San Francisco, and subsequent fires destroyed 80% of the city. 'New City' could refer to San Francisco, and 'earth-shaking fire' describes the quake and fires. However, this interpretation is not the only possibility.
Century IV-75: Those Ready to Fight
Nostradamus: "He who was ready to fight shall desert his post. The chief of Lyon conquered by his adversary."
Interpreted as French resistance during WWI. 'Chief of Lyon conquered' refers to France under siege.
France endured horrific fighting in WWI, but 'chief of Lyon conquered' is inaccurate — Lyon was never conquered. Many interpret this instead as Vichy France's surrender in WWII.
Century II-24: Hitler's Rise
Nostradamus: "From the depths of Western 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."
Also III-35: "From the deepest part of Europe, a young child born of poor people. He who by his speech will seduce a great multitude; his reputation grows near the realm of Hister."
'Hister' is widely believed to be a variant of 'Hitler'. Hitler was born in Austria (deep Western Europe), from humble origins, and seduced masses through oratory.
Adolf Hitler was born in 1889 in Braunau, Austria ('depths of Western Europe'), from a humble background. He seduced the German masses through powerful oratory and established the Nazi regime. 'Hister' differs from 'Hitler' by just one letter. However, critics note that 'Hister' is actually the ancient Latin name for the Danube River and may not refer to a person.
Century IX-16: Franco Rules Spain
Nostradamus: "From Castile, Franco will come forth from the assembly. The ambassadors will not agree. Those of Riviera will be in conflict. And they will refuse the great one entry into the Gulf."
'Franco' is directly named, referring to Spanish dictator Francisco Franco.
Francisco Franco (1892-1975) established a 36-year dictatorship after the Spanish Civil War (1939-1975). 'From Castile' matches Franco's rise from within Spain. 'Franco' appears directly in the text. However, 'Franco' also means 'Frankish/free' in Old French.
Century II-6: Hiroshima & Nagasaki
Nostradamus: "Within two cities there will be scourges the like of which was never seen. Famine within plague, people driven out by steel. Crying to the great immortal God for relief."
'Two cities' experiencing unprecedented scourges is believed to refer to the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
On August 6 and 9, 1945, the US dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, killing approximately 200,000 people — truly 'scourges never seen before'. 'Driven out by steel' could describe forced evacuations after the blasts. However, 'two cities struck by disaster' is generic enough to apply to many historical events.
Century II-89: US-Soviet Cold War
Nostradamus: "Two great leaders will finally become friends. Their great power will be seen to increase. The New World will be at the height of its power. To the bloody one, the number is recounted."
'Two great leaders' as US and Soviet alliance in WWII, then their power growing through the Cold War.
The US and USSR allied during WWII and each became superpowers, launching a 45-year Cold War. 'New World at height of power' accurately describes post-war American global hegemony. But the overall description remains rather general.
Century I-26: JFK Assassination
Nostradamus: "The great man will be struck down in the day by a thunderbolt. An evil deed foretold by the bearer of a petition. According to the prediction, another falls at night. Conflict at Reims, London, and pestilence in Tuscany."
'Great man struck down by thunderbolt in the day' is interpreted as JFK being shot in broad daylight.
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was shot dead during a motorcade in Dallas — indeed 'struck down in the day'. 'Another falls at night' may refer to Jack Ruby shooting suspect Oswald. However, other details in the quatrain (Genoa, Nice, Monaco) have no connection to the Kennedy assassination.
Century I-84: Moon Landing
Nostradamus: "The Moon obscured in deep darkness. Her young prophet seen by his disciple. A day on earth spent in fervent study."
Some interpret this as the Apollo 11 Moon landing in 1969, with 'young prophet' as astronaut Armstrong.
On July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 landed on the Moon and Armstrong became the first person to walk on it. 'Young prophet seen by disciples' could mean the world witnessed it on TV. However, this interpretation is quite a stretch.
Century I-43: Before the Change of Empire
Nostradamus: "Before the change of Empire, a most marvelous event will take place. The field moved, the pillar of porphyry changed, placed upon the gnarled rock."
Interpreted as the series of upheavals before the collapse of the Soviet Union (1991).
The 1991 Soviet collapse was indeed one of the most 'marvelous events' of the 20th century. The 'pillar changed' echoes the collapse of the Soviet system. But this prediction is very abstract and could apply to any major regime change in history.
Century II-28: Princess Diana's Death
Nostradamus: "The last honored one among those of her rank falls in the midst of her companions. She will no longer rest on a golden bed. Her greatness will be placed in the lowest depths."
'Last honored one' is interpreted as Princess Diana, who died in a Paris tunnel car crash rather than in her palace ('golden bed').
On August 31, 1997, Princess Diana died in a car crash in the Pont de l'Alma tunnel in Paris, along with Dodi Fayed. 'No longer rest on golden bed' could mean she left royal privilege behind. However, the description is vague enough to apply to many prominent figures who died unexpectedly.
Century X-72: King of Terror in 1999
Nostradamus: "In the year 1999, seventh month, from the sky will come a great King of Terror, to bring back to life the great King of the Mongols. Before and after Mars reigns by good luck."
This is Nostradamus's most famous dated prophecy. Many feared it before 1999.
Nothing corresponding to a 'King of Terror descending from the sky' occurred in July 1999. While some reinterpret it as the August 1999 solar eclipse or the later 9/11 attacks (two years off), the literal prediction clearly failed. This is one of Nostradamus's very few prophecies with an explicit date.
Century VI-97: 9/11 Attacks
Nostradamus: "The sky will burn at forty-five degrees. Fire approaches the great New City. In an instant a great scattered flame leaps up, when one will want to demand proof of the Normans."
Also X-72: "In the year 1999, seventh month, a great King of Terror will descend from the sky."
'Great New City' is interpreted as New York. 'Sky burning' corresponds to the Twin Towers ablaze. New York lies near latitude 40-41°, close to 'forty-five degrees'.
On September 11, 2001, two hijacked planes struck the World Trade Center Twin Towers in New York, killing nearly 3,000. 'Great New City' could indeed mean New York, and 'sky burning' with 'great scattered flame' match the towers ablaze. However, NYC is at latitude 40-41° not 45°, and the related quatrain X-72 specifies July 1999, not September 2001.
Century VIII-17: The Suddenly Rich Will Suffer
Nostradamus: "Those suddenly enriched shall be struck down by three wounds. The world in turmoil. So many betrayals."
Interpreted as the 2008 global financial crisis, with 'suddenly rich' referring to financial speculators.
In the 2008 financial crisis, Wall Street banks and speculators suffered massive losses; Lehman Brothers collapsed. 'World in turmoil' fits the global economic panic. But the prediction is extremely generic and could apply to any financial crisis.
Century III-97: Arab Spring
Nostradamus: "A new law will occupy a new land, around Syria, Judea, and Palestine. The great barbarian empire will crumble before the century of the Sun is determined."
'New laws near Syria and Palestine' interpreted as the Arab Spring regime changes.
The 2011 Arab Spring spread from Tunisia to Egypt, Libya, Syria, and beyond, toppling regimes or sparking civil wars. 'New law near Syria' geographically matches. However, details like 'barbarian empire crumble' are not precise.
Century V-46: Decline of the Church
Nostradamus: "By the quarrels and new disputes of cardinals. When the elected Sabine is oppressed. They will produce great rumors against him. And the great old one shall be frozen out."
Interpreted as internal Church reform and Vatican crises.
In 2013, Pope Benedict XVI became the first pope in 600 years to voluntarily resign, seen as 'the great old one frozen out'. Cardinals indeed disputed over the succession. However, this prophecy could also apply to many historical Church crises.
Century II-53: COVID-19 Pandemic
Nostradamus: "The great plague of the maritime city will not cease until there be avenged the death of the just blood, condemned for a price without crime. The great lady outraged by the pretense."
'Great plague of the maritime city' is interpreted as the COVID-19 pandemic originating from a city connected to maritime routes.
In early 2020, COVID-19 emerged from Wuhan, China, and became the worst pandemic in a century. 'Great plague' matches the scale of COVID-19. However, 'maritime city' does not precisely describe Wuhan, which is an inland city. The overall interpretation is somewhat strained.
Century IV-82: Ukraine War
Nostradamus: "A great army from Slavonia will march. The old destroyer will ruin a city. He will see his Romania quite desolate, and then will not know how to extinguish the great flame."
'Army from Slavonia' is interpreted as Russian forces invading Ukraine. 'Old destroyer' may refer to Putin.
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. 'Army from Slavonia' broadly relates to Slavic lands, matching the Russian invasion. Cities like Mariupol were indeed devastated. 'Not know how to extinguish the flame' suggests escalation. However, 'Slavonia' actually refers to a region in Croatia, not a precise geographic match.
Century III-44: Animals Shall Speak
Nostradamus: "When animals familiar to man begin to speak, after great pains and difficulty. The lightning to the virgin shall be harmful, taken from earth and suspended in the air."
'Animals familiar to man speaking' is interpreted by some as AI and voice assistants — machines 'speaking' as if animals gained language.
The 2022-2023 breakthrough of ChatGPT and large language models enabled AI to converse naturally with humans, in a sense fulfilling 'animals (machines) speaking to man'. But this interpretation is a classic case of post-hoc rationalization.
Quatrain 2025-1: Cruel Wars and Return
Nostradamus: "Cruel wars are being prepared. In that year, the plague more terrible than enemies. The youth of France shall suffer terrible hardship."
Some Nostradamus scholars interpret this as geopolitical tensions and possible conflict escalation in 2025.
The Russia-Ukraine war continued in 2025, but no major new plague emerged and French youth did not suffer specifically. War aspect partially matches, plague aspect does not.
Quatrain 2025-2: Plague Worse Than Enemies
Nostradamus: "In many places the plague rages. Suffering worse than torment from the enemy. Finally all will seek new refuge."
Possibly referring to new infectious diseases or recurring pandemics emerging after 2025.
No major new pandemic emerged globally in 2025. COVID-19 was downgraded to an endemic disease.
Quatrain 2025-3: The Bee Swarm Quatrain
Nostradamus: "The king of bees shall lose his swarm. The new Napoleon will not be crowned. Under the tricolor, the empire shall change."
Bees are a Napoleonic symbol. Interpreted as major changes in French politics or leadership transition in 2025.
France experienced political turbulence in 2025, but no fundamental regime change occurred under the tricolor.
Quatrain 2025-4: Seven Months War
Nostradamus: "War shall last seven months. People will die from wickedness. Rouen and Evreux will not surrender to the king."
Some interpreters believe this points to a military conflict lasting seven months in 2025.
No seven-month war involving Rouen or Evreux occurred in 2025.
Quatrain 2025-5: Solar Eclipse Omen
Nostradamus: "On the day of the eclipse, a monster shall be seen. Each interprets differently: the price too high, none prepared. No one expected this day."
The partial solar eclipse of March 29, 2025, and the total solar eclipse of August 12, 2026, are linked to this prophecy by some.
A partial solar eclipse did occur on March 29, 2025, but no 'monster' was sighted nor major catastrophe followed. The celestial event partially matches.
Quatrain 2025-6: Cities Flooded
Nostradamus: "The great city will be flooded by water. The sea will breach the levees. People will seek refuge on rooftops."
Interpreted as coastal city flooding from extreme climate events in 2025-2026.
Multiple regions experienced extreme rainfall and flooding in 2025, but no iconic city was completely submerged. The trend of extreme weather partially matches.
Quatrain 2025-7: Iron Birds and Silent Voice
Nostradamus: "Iron birds shall fly without a pilot. A silent voice will spread across the world. People will speak to machines, and the machines shall answer."
'Pilotless iron birds' as drones and autonomous aircraft; 'silent voice' and 'speaking to machines' as AI assistants and large language models.
By 2025, AI voice assistants and large language models (ChatGPT, Claude, etc.) became deeply integrated into daily life. Autonomous drones were widely deployed. 'People will speak to machines, and the machines shall answer' proved remarkably accurate.
Quatrain 2026-1: New Alliance of the East
Nostradamus: "The East will form a new alliance. Two great dragons shall shake hands. The eagle of the West will be uneasy. The old order shall be broken."
Quatrain 2026-2: Wrath of the Volcano
Nostradamus: "The long-sleeping mountain shall awaken once more. Ash will cover the sky, obscuring the sun. Nearby cities will be abandoned."
Quatrain 2026-3: End of Currency
Nostradamus: "Old currency will lose its value. A new way of exchange will appear. No need to carry gold or silver. Everything shall be recorded in numbers."
Quatrain 2026-4: Mediterranean Conflict
Nostradamus: "The Mediterranean shall become a theater of war. Ships burn in the harbor. Three nations fight over an island."
Century II-43: The Great Comet
Nostradamus: "During the appearance of the bearded star, the three great princes will be made enemies. Struck from the sky, peace on earth quakes. Po overflows, a serpent placed on the shore."
Century VIII-77: The Third Antichrist
Nostradamus: "The Third Antichrist soon to come, far more terrible than the first two. He shall reign twenty-seven years in rivers of blood."
Century III-59: Third World War
Nostradamus: "Barbarian empire usurped by the third. The greater part of his blood he will put to death. By senility, death through his country's hand."
Century I-17: Climate Catastrophe
Nostradamus: "For forty years the rainbow shall not appear. For forty years it will be seen every day. The dry earth will grow more parched, and great floods when it is seen."
Century II-62: Mabus and the Great Fire
Nostradamus: "Mabus will soon die, then will come a horrible destruction of people and animals. Then suddenly vengeance will be seen: hundred hands, thirst, famine, when the comet passes."
Century V-53: New Religious Law
Nostradamus: "The law of Sun and Venus shall be contended. Appropriating the spirit of prophecy. Neither one nor the other will be heard. The law of the great Messiah retained through the Sun."
Century III-94: Forgotten After 500 Years
Nostradamus: "For more than five hundred years, he shall not be reckoned. He who was the ornament of his time. Then suddenly great clarity shall emerge, making those of that century very content."
Century III-2: Divine Word from the Sky
Nostradamus: "The divine word shall descend from heaven. It shall not go further. There will be a great secret revealed at the time of the next offering."
Century VI-24: War After Long Peace
Nostradamus: "After a long period of peace praised, throughout Italy and France, blood, fire, plague, and death."
Century I-69: Great Mountain Falls Seven Stadia
Nostradamus: "The great mountain, seven stadia round. After peace, war, famine, flooding. It will spread far, drowning great countries. Even ancient foundations and their mighty ruins."
Century I-46: Celestial Event Near Auch
Nostradamus: "Very near Auch, among three brothers. That which will destroy the great city will come from the sky."
Century III-4: Age of Peace After Wars
Nostradamus: "When the deficiency of the Moon approaches, they are not far from each other. Cold, drought, danger near the frontiers. Even where the oracle has its origin."
Century X-74: The Seventh Great Number
Nostradamus: "The year the great seventh number is accomplished. It will appear at the time of the games of slaughter. Not far from the great millennial age. When the dead will come out of their graves."
Century I-56: Great Change of the Earth
Nostradamus: "Sooner and later you will see great changes made. Extreme horrors and vengeances. For as the Moon is led by its angel, the heavens draw near to the Balance."
Century I-48: Age of the Moon
Nostradamus: "Twenty years of the Moon's reign have passed. Seven thousand years another shall hold his monarchy. When the Sun takes up his remaining days. Then is my prophecy accomplished and done."
Century X-42: Humanity's Final Destiny
Nostradamus: "The human realm of angelic governance. It will cause peace and unity. War captive halfway through. For a long time peace will be maintained."
Nostradamus's Ultimate Prophecy: Year 3797
Nostradamus: "My prophecies shall extend to the year 3797 AD." — Nostradamus's statement in the Preface to Les Prophéties.