Prophéties de fin du monde et peur des Turcs au xve siècle. Ottomans, Antichrist, Apocalypse - Préface

Abstract

The present research deals with western apocalypticism in the 15th Century and the fear of the Turks. It shows how clergymen forged old medieval prophecies into new ones, in order to explain the rise of the Ottoman Empire as sign of the End of the World. In the first chapter, geopolitics is being considered. The continual victories of the Ottoman Turks, from 1360 to 1530, are scrutinized as well as their impact on western mentalities. A direct link between prophecies of the End of the World and Ottoman successes is brought into light. The second chapter is dedicated to the presentation of the sources used in this research. Attention is focused on four specific treaties published between 1474 and 1496, that are exclusively dedicated to the Turks. Chapter three is dedicated to Antichrist. In every source Turks and Antichrist are unquestionably tied together but the nature of their links is considerably different. The resurgence of the figure of an Eastern Antichrist is nevertheless confirmed. In chapter four, the Turkish threat is considered in relation with the Christian view of History. The sources are analysed and connected with the traditions of the Pseudo-Methodius and Joachim of Fiore. It demonstrates how deeply the Turkish rise affected western mentalities since the conceptions of Time and History had to be resumed. Chapter five questions the goals of the prophecies about the Turks: consolation, but also criticism of the Princes, the clergymen and some aspects of Christian societies. This chapter finally explores the prophecies as tools of propaganda in favor of some Western Princes or the Pope.