GERBERT D’AURILLAC – MATEMATICO, ALCHIMISTA E PAPA

GERBERT D'AURILLAC – MATHEMATICIAN, ALCHEMIST, AND POPE by Federico E. Perozziello The figure of Gerbert d'Aurillac, known to history as Pope Sylvester II, is one of the most extraordinary and original figures of the Middle Ages. A talented mathematician, a mysterious and refined alchemist, and finally a Roman Pontiff, Gerbert d'Aurillac had the fortune of crossing paths with the young Emperor Otto III, whom he tutored. An intellectual and brilliant pope, he sought to direct the actions of his pupil, a German from Saxony, the son of a Greek princess, who spoke three languages ​​and was regarded with suspicion by his fellow Germans. Together, Otto III and Sylvester II planned the reconstruction of the ancient Roman Empire by reuniting East and West, but their dreams clashed with the realities of their time and the world. This lecture tells their story and the outcomes of their unachievable yet grand and fascinating desires. GERBERT OF AURILLAC – MATHEMATICIAN, ALCHEMIST AND POPE by Federico E. Perozziello The figure of Gerbert d'Aurillac, who went down in history as Pope Sylvester II, is one of the most extraordinary and original of the entire Middle Ages. A distinguished mathematician, a mysterious and refined alchemist, and finally a Roman Pontiff, Gerbert d'Aurillac had the fortune to cross paths with the young Emperor Otto III, to whom he served as tutor. An intellectual and brilliant Pope sought to guide the actions of his pupil, a German from Saxony, the son of a Greek princess, who spoke three languages ​​and was viewed with suspicion by his fellow Germans. Together, Otto III and Sylvester II planned the reconstruction of the ancient Roman Empire by uniting East and West, but their dreams clashed with the reality of the men of their time and the state of affairs. This lecture recounts their story and the outcomes of their unattainable yet grandiose and fascinating aspirations.