The Forgotten Book of 16th-century Apocalyptic Visions - The Book of Miracles

The Book of Miracles is a medieval manuscript filled with strange and lavish illustrations depicting various phenomena, from biblical stories to mythical creatures and celestial events. It reflects the 16th-century European fascination with prophecy and omens, influenced by historical events like the Reformation. The book compiles signs from God, starting with the Old Testament and ending with the Book of Revelation, portraying a narrative of impending apocalypse. It serves as a window into the fears and beliefs of the time, illustrating how unexplained events were rationalized as divine signs.

What is the primary theme depicted in the illustrations of the Augsburg Book of Miracles?

• Prophecies and omens

• Medieval warfare

• Scientific discoveries

• Daily life in the Middle Ages

What was the purpose of the Augsburg Book of Miracles?

• To entertain with fictional stories

• To compile signs from God throughout history

• To document scientific discoveries

• To serve as a religious text

How did the Reformation influence the Book of Miracles?

• It caused the book to be rewritten

• It had no influence on the book

• It inspired the use of prophetic imagery as propaganda

• It led to the book being banned

What does the Book of Miracles attempt to mimic in its structure?

• The structure of a historical chronicle

• The structure of the Bible

• The structure of a novel

• The structure of a scientific journal

What was the role of broadsheets in the spread of prophetic imagery?

• They helped circulate and spread images faster

• They were used only for entertainment

• They were banned by the Church

• They were used to spread scientific knowledge

What celestial event is depicted in the Book of Miracles as a golden circle around the sun?

• A solar eclipse

• A meteor shower

• A comet passing by

• The day of the Nativity

What event is depicted in the Book of Miracles as a celestial fire in the sky?

• A solar eclipse

• A meteor shower

• A comet

• A burning torch

Which mythical creature is depicted in the Book of Miracles with a human face and beard?

• A griffin

• A dragon

• A hydra

• The Monster of Salzburg

What is the significance of comets in the Book of Miracles?

• They symbolize peace and prosperity

• They are seen as good omens

• They represent doomsday or cataclysmic events

• They are ignored as natural phenomena

What does the Book of Miracles conclude with?

• The end of the Middle Ages

• The creation of the world

• The rise of a new kingdom

• The fall of Babylon