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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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...