Religion

Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome

Sylvia Rose

Dec 25, 20244 min read

Mysteries of Bona Dea: Women's Rites in Ancient Rome

Bona Dea, the "Good Goddess," has a special place among ancient Roman deities. Her mysteries are only for women. Goddess of fertility,...

10 views

Sylvia Rose

Dec 7, 202410 min read

Alchemy & Religion

Alchemy through the ages is a science affected by personal spirituality and religion. Rooted in ancient practices, alchemy takes shape in...

6 views

Andreas Libavius: Science & Controversy of Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Dec 5, 20246 min read

Andreas Libavius: Science & Controversy of Alchemy

Andreas Libavius (c. 1550-1616) is one of the most influential figures of Renaissance alchemy, active in the Elizabethan era. His book...

10 views

Nine Years War 1688-1697 France vs. Europe

Sylvia Rose

Nov 16, 20247 min read

Nine Years War 1688-1697 France vs. Europe

The Nine Years War, also known as the War of the League of Augsburg, is a key conflict in European history. Fierce battles erupt,...

10 views

Jan Baptist van Helmont: Renaissance Medicine

Sylvia Rose

Oct 26, 20245 min read

Jan Baptist van Helmont: Renaissance Medicine

Jan Baptist van Helmont (1580 - 1644) is a Flemish physician, alchemist / chemist and natural philosopher. A disciple of Paracelsus , he...

12 views

Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer

Sylvia Rose

Oct 11, 20243 min read

Hildegard von Bingen: Nature, Music & Beer

Hildegard von Bingen is a German Benedictine abbess and polymath often called the Sibyl (Prophetess) of the Rhine. She transcends...

21 views

The Four Medici Popes: Controversial Connections

Sylvia Rose

Oct 9, 20244 min read

The Four Medici Popes: Controversial Connections

Four Medici Popes shape history during their reigns: Pope Leo X, Pope Clement VII, Pope Pius IV, and Pope Leo XI. Centered in Florence,...

6 views

Roman Inquisition: Power, Prayer & Politics

Sylvia Rose

Oct 9, 20245 min read

Roman Inquisition: Power, Prayer & Politics

The Italian or Roman Inquisition is established 1542 by Pope Paul III, largely as a response to the Protestant Reformation. Reformers...

9 views

Catholic Inquisitions: Chronology & Overview

Sylvia Rose

Oct 9, 20246 min read

Catholic Inquisitions: Chronology & Overview

The Catholic Inquisition is an institution in Christianity from the 12th to 19th century. Its purpose is to identify and eliminate heresy...

10 views

Protestant Reformation of Renaissance Europe

Sylvia Rose

Oct 8, 20244 min read

Protestant Reformation of Renaissance Europe

The Protestant Reformation is one of the most significant movements in Western history. It transforms not just the Christian Church but...

9 views

Rise & Fall of the Habsburg Dynasty Europe

Sylvia Rose

Oct 8, 20244 min read

Rise & Fall of the Habsburg Dynasty Europe

The Habsburg Dynasty in history is one of Europe’s most powerful and influential royal families. From origins in the Swiss canton of...

8 views

Thirty Years' War Europe: Five Major Battles

Sylvia Rose

Oct 7, 20243 min read

Thirty Years' War Europe: Five Major Battles

The Thirty Years' War (1618-1648) is one of the most destructive conflicts in European history. Up to 8 million people lose their lives...

13 views

Thirty Years' War: Conflict, Antagonists, and Impact on Society

Sylvia Rose

Oct 7, 20244 min read

Thirty Years' War: Conflict, Antagonists, and Impact on Society

The Thirty Years' War (1618 - 48) is a major factor in the collapse of the European Renaissance and devastates a continent for three...

11 views

Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life

Sylvia Rose

Sep 26, 20244 min read

Ardent Spirits Alchemy: the Fiery Elixirs of Life

Ardent Spirits in alchemy are liquors obtained after repeated distillations from fermented fruit and vegetables. They are thus called...

17 views

Nicolas Flamel: Creation of an Alchemy Legend

Sylvia Rose

Sep 21, 20246 min read

Nicolas Flamel: Creation of an Alchemy Legend

Nicolas Flamel (1330 - 1418) is a prosperous scribe shop owner in Paris, France. He marries well and lives an illustrious life. At his...

13 views

Arnaldus de Villanova: Medieval Alchemist

Sylvia Rose

Sep 15, 20244 min read

Arnaldus de Villanova: Medieval Alchemist

Arnaldus de Villanova (1240 - 1311) is a prominent figure of medieval alchemy, literature and medicine. He comes from Spain, studies at...

14 views

Basil Valentine: Secrets of Medieval Alchemy

Sylvia Rose

Sep 14, 20243 min read

Basil Valentine: Secrets of Medieval Alchemy

Basil Valentine or Basilius Valentinus is an enigmatic medieval Benedictine monk of Germany. It's thought to be a pseudonym, although the...

16 views

Mary the Jewess: Gold-Making & the Philosophers' Stone

Sylvia Rose

Sep 11, 20246 min read

Mary the Jewess: Gold-Making & the Philosophers' Stone

Mary the Jewess appears on the scene in vibrant Alexandria on the sparkling Mediterranean in c. first century AD. Educated, well-spoken,...

34 views

Secrets of Mystical Alchemy: Unlocking the Unknown

Sylvia Rose

Sep 10, 20243 min read

Secrets of Mystical Alchemy: Unlocking the Unknown

Mystical alchemy, steeped in ancient wisdom and enigmatic practices, has long captivated truth seekers. Drawn into this absorbing...

11 views

Aisha bint Abi Bakr: Medieval Islamic Scholar

Sylvia Rose

Sep 9, 20244 min read

Aisha bint Abi Bakr: Medieval Islamic Scholar

Aisha bint Abi Bakr (c. 613 – 678 AD) is a medieval Islamic woman, a royal daughter, and the wife of the Prophet Muhammed. One of the...

6 views