The Polygraphia of Johannes Trithemius: reflections on the relationship between esotericism and politics in the XV and XVI

Abstract

This article discusses the role the esoteric concept of secret had in the construction of encrypted communication methods. We seek to understand the concept that the world is full of secret signs of the message left by the Creator to help His men forge these methods of secret communication. Furthermore , this secret communication helped them become aware of the secret dimension not only of language but also of human action. Thus this paper has been written whilst discussing the opus Polygraphia, written by a German abbot, Johannes Trithemius (1462-1516), it also maintains a dialogue with other relevant works.