Julien V Ron Se

Antonius of Montolmo, who died before 1396, was an Italian scholar from the region of Picenum, born at Monte Olmo. He held academic positions in philosophy and medicine, and was also a lecturer in grammar at the University of Bologna in 1360. Later, in 1384, he took over the professorship of astrology at Bologna, a position previously held by Cecco d'Ascoli. By 1393, he was a professor of philosophy and medicine at the University of Padua. His academic career spanned significant intellectual centers of 14th-century Italy.

Antonius authored important texts on astrology and magic. His work is noted for its syncretic approach, blending Aristotelian and Ptolemaic cosmological ideas, as presented in John of Hollywood's Sphaera, with Christian beliefs concerning Paradise and Hell. He incorporated angelic and demonic entities into his astrological framework, suggesting they influenced events based on their astrological positions while being subject to the celestial spheres. This synthesis incorporated elements of Hermetic and Solomonic magic, alongside Ptolemaic astrology and Christian demonology, reflecting a 'natural' magic doctrine influenced by William of Auvergne.

Born in the 14th century in Monte Olmo, Antonius of Montolmo was a learned individual holding doctorates in arts, philosophy, and medicine. His academic journey included lecturing on grammar at the University of Bologna in 1360. A significant shift occurred in 1384 when he assumed the chair of astrology at Bologna, succeeding the infamously executed Cecco d'Ascoli. His scholarly pursuits continued, leading him to the University of Padua by 1393, where he served as a professor of philosophy and medicine. His expertise in astrological matters culminated in the completion of a treatise on horoscope construction in Mantua in 1394, a work valued for its inclusion of horoscopes of notable historical figures like Emperor Charles IV.

Antonius of Montolmo's cosmological views were a complex amalgamation of established traditions. His work integrated Aristotelian and Ptolemaic cosmologies, as interpreted through John of Hollywood's Sphaera, with the Christian concepts of Heaven and Hell. He populated his cosmology with angels and demons, entities that exerted influence according to astrological positions but were themselves subservient to the celestial spheres. These beings possessed their own natures, often linked to cardinal sins, and were positioned below the heavens, constellations, and planets. This approach represented a unique syncretism, drawing from 'abominable' Hermetic magic, 'detestable' Solomonic angelic magic, the principles of Ptolemaic astrology, and Christian demonology, particularly the doctrine of 'natural' magic attributed to William of Auvergne, which separated demons from the planets.