The man 'who could see the future': Why Nostradamus' name makes headlines at this time every year

As December winds down, millions around the world will look to a stranger for guidance on the year ahead.

It's been more than 400 years since Nostradamus died, yet, in that time he has become famed for his prophecies.

Here's a look at the life and predictions of the French astrologer and physician.

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Michel de Nostredame was born on December 14, 15.03 in France.

His grandfathers, both physicians, educated him in the world of language and mathematics and astrology. 

Despite lacking a medical degree, Nostradamus began practicing medicine in Agen in Southwestern France in the 1530s.

Years later, he travelled to the province of Salon. It was here he became known for his intuitive abilities.

By 1547 he started writing his prophecies. He published his work in 1555 in his book Centuries.

As some of his prophecies appeared to come true, Nostradamus gained notoriety.

He was soon invited to meet with Catherine de Médicis, the queen consort of Henry II of France. He read the horoscopes of the royals' children.

In 1564, King of France Charles IX hired Nostradamus as his physician-in-ordinary. 

Two years later, in 1566, Nostradamus died from complications from gout. He was 62. 

In the centuries since his death, supporters believe he accurately predicted a number of major world events.

This includes the French Revolution, the rises of Napoleon Bonaparte and Adolf Hitler.

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He is said to have also predicted the Hiroshima bombings in 1945 and the September 11 attacks on America in 2001.

In recent years, Nostradamus is said to have foretold the coming of COVID-19.

His "grim" predictions for 2022 didn't spell a promising 2023, with Nostradamus correctly prophesising a war in Europe. Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

He also foretold periods of inflation and starvation, which we saw the beginnings of with the cost-of-living crisis, and major and irreversible damage due to global warming, with the results of the catastrophic floods on the East Coast.

Nostradamus wrote of a "celestial fire on the Royal edifice", suggesting trouble for a royal palace.

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For one psychic, however, Nostradamus' prediction could ring true – Australian psychic Rose Smith predicted King Charles III will become quite unwell in 2023, with Prince William being handed the keys to the kingdom earlier than expected.

She also, however, predicted a reconciliation between the Sussexes and the rest of the British royals, and a new royal "baby."

Though, his prophecies on a full-blown Zombie apocalypse, biblical famine, solar storms resulting in mass migration, Earth hit by an asteroid or soldiers being implanted with chips in their brains are thankfully not realised.

Nostradamus has reportedly got a list of annual predictions up until 3797.

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