Johannes Trithemius

Albrecht Classen (University of Arizona)

The Literary Encyclopedia. Volume 1.4.1: German-language Writing and Culture: Germany, 500-present.
Vol. editors: Gerhard P. Knapp (University of Utah), Jennifer Marston William (Purdue University), Herbert Rowland (Purdue University), Jill E. Twark (East Carolina University)

Dates

Born 1 Feb 1462
Died 13 Dec 1516
Activity 1486-1516

Places

Born in Germany
Active in Germany

Activities

Primary

Historian / Chronicler
Lexicographer
Priest

Resources

Trithemius' Works

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In the late Middle Ages, as an intriguing indicator of the imminent paradigm shift to the Renaissance or the early modern age, numerous intellectuals emerged who challenged the traditional Church, scientific teachings, and the prevailing understanding of nature. Some pursued magic (necromancy), others investigated new methods of healing people (medicine), and yet others experimented with nature attempting to transmute certain elements into gold, for instance (alchemy). Numerous debates occurred, strong opinions were voiced, and traditional authorities in the various fields of human knowledge were increasingly questioned and undermined. Johannes Trithemius was part of this new development, which did not, however, jell into a comprehensive movement. He has often been associated with major…

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1171 words

Citation: Classen, Albrecht. "Johannes Trithemius". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 15 July 2024 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/speople.php?rec=true&UID=15258, accessed 31 October 2024.]