Case file · Witch trials
Pope Sylvester II and the talking head
William of Malmesbury (c. 1125) wrote that Pope Sylvester II (d. 1003), the scholar Gerbert of Aurillac, had learned sorcery, owned a bronze head that answered questions and made a pact with the devil.
1125 CE · 41.89, 12.51 · status: legend
The sceptical view
The legend grew from Gerbert's real learning in Arabic mathematics and astronomy, and from propaganda during the Investiture Conflict.