Gerasimos Merianos on East Roman Alchemy in Late Antiquity and Beyond, Part II

Gerasimos Merianos on East Roman Alchemy in Late Antiquity and Beyond, Part II

From Podcast episodes – The Secret History of Western Esotericism Podcast (SHWEP) by Earl Fontainelle

April 1, 2026 · 39 min

About this episode

The episode explores East Roman alchemy with Gerasimos Merianos, focusing on its mathematical aspects and the evolving nature of alchemical secrecy and politics.

We delve further into the laboratories, workshops, and even state coffers of East Rome with Gerasimos Merianos. East Roman alchemy becomes mathematised. The parameters of alchemical secrecy change. We encounter our first alchemical con-men. And Michæl Psellos showcases his ability to see which way the wind is blowing, this time in the realm of high-stakes alchemical politics.

People in this episode

Host: Earl Fontainelle

Guest: Gerasimos Merianos

Topics covered

  • East Roman alchemy
  • Late Antiquity
  • alchemical secrecy
  • alchemical politics
  • mathematised alchemy
  • alchemical con-men

Keywords

  • East Roman alchemy
  • Late Antiquity
  • alchemical secrecy
  • Michæl Psellos
  • alchemical politics
  • con-men
  • mathematised

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: East Rome

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