Philip Sidney, Amadis de Gaula and the three Masonic pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.

 Philip Sidney, Amadis de Gaula and the three Masonic pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty.

The story of Sidney’s “Arcadia” as it relates to Oak Island has many Rosicrucian, Masonic, and Enochian overtones. This may be no surprise as it may be discerned that Dr. John Dee and others had likely influenced these attributes in Sidney who chose to incorporate them into his story. The entire story has some of the attributes of the Book of Enoch then also peppered with references to what would become the Masonic Royal Arch degrees. These kinds of references to lost stone and hidden vaults would also later be applied to the image of the Bruton Vault, Beale Treasure, and Kensington Rune.

The original folklore of Oak Island includes the Money Pit having nine layers including a strange stone known of as the “90ft.” stone atop the ninth layer. This is analogous to the story of Enoch removing a stone to reveal the nine-layered chamber and finding the graven stone in the last chamber that includes the Tetragrammaton. It is clearly stated in “Arcadia” that Dametas expects to find a treasure vault beneath the graven stone atop which sat what was representative of Aristomones Box. It is interesting that this story was developed somewhat prior to the advent of what may be considered Freemasonry at a time when only stonemason’s guilds were supposed to have been privy to these stories. (See the end of this chapter for the entire passage from “Arcadia” that resembles the original Oak Island folklore).

It is likely that these kinds of values were being promoted among the gentry class of Europe during Philip Sidney’s life in the late sixteenth century as well as during the renaissance or the era just prior to the Elizabethan age in England. In fact any literate person during the age after about 1000 A.D. may have been exposed to similar concepts from simply reading the popular literature of the day. An appreciation of these concepts may have been able to develop as literature, art, and architecture in some ways began to break free of the bonds of religion and political concerns that had governed their development prior to that time.

Many people point to Dante’s “Inferno” as being one of the earliest pieces of literature that included different views in the form of a literary work that was somewhat critical of society and religion at large. Among these new concepts were points of view that resemble Freemasonic ideals. It appears as if stone mason’s guilds and their values had penetrated notions of poplar literature of the day. This may also explain why Henry Wadsworth Longfellow had interpreted Dante into English and may also reflect why he was interested in past forms of his craft.

It is interesting that Sidney chose to include these Enochian ideas in his work prior to the time of the development of Freemasonry. During certain periods of the development of Freemasonry these Enochian stories were very important. This resulted later in James Bruce going to Ethiopia in the late eighteenth century and bringing back ancient copies of the book of Enoch that in the end closely resembled the version of the story that was valued earlier in history by Dr. Dee and his friends such as Philip Sidney and Sir Francis Bacon. Later in Freemasonic history it appears that more of an emphasis was placed on the Arches of Enoch and other aspects of the story of King Solomon. Either way the Enochian and Solomonic stories to indeed go hand and hand with each aspect applying directly to what seems to be Freemasonic ideals.

Our analysis of Sidney’s literature in relation to Masonic ideas also reveals that these concepts had been included in literature even as far back as the fourteenth century.

Many students of literature espouse the fact that a previous work entitled “Amadis de Gaula” had influenced Philip Sidney in some of the plot elements of his “Arcadia.” Though it is not certain the date “Amadis” was first published it is likely versions of this story existed as far back as the early thirteenth century. “Amadis de Gaula” is the story of a Welsh Knight who travels to Scotland and encounters many adventures. It is interesting that the original author is supposed to have been Spanish when the plot of the work seems to include these other lands. During the fourteenth century the term “Gaul” referred to Wales in addition to parts of France. There are French, Portuguese, German, and Spanish versions of “Amadis de Gaula” and over time there were even many later amendments to the work. The very first reference to the name “California” comes from a later amendment to “Amadis.”

Though it is debated who first wrote down the story of Amadis these plot elements were likely the result of one of the most popular candidates to have penned “Amadis de Gaula.” By many accounts Henry of Castile (Infante Enrique) had written Amadis de Gaula while being held prisoner at Castel del Monte in southern central Italy. At that time this region was the kingdom of Naples that was ruled then by Charles II of Anjou. Just previous to Charles’ rule the Kingdom of Naples had been the domain of the original builder of Castel del Monte Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. It was Charles who had imprisoned Henry at Castel del Monte as he now ruled the former domain of Frederick II. It is interesting to note that both Charles and Frederick had mothers that came from the Hauteville family of Normandy.

Charles II of Anjou is also one of the historical figures how helped to promote the culture of an appreciation of Mary Magdalene that also seems to pervade many of these lost vault myths. Charles was behind the creation of the Cathedral of St. Maximin La Sainte Baume near Marseilles, France. Charles created the Church after the tomb of Mary Magdalene was said to have been found there. This is of interest to the overall story through time as we may see that later French interests may have attempted to associate the remains or relics of Mary Magdalene with whatever is hidden at Oak Island. This version of the cultus of Mary Magdalene also includes the story of the Three Mary’s coming ashore in association with Sarah the Egyptian Girl at Saintes Maries de La Mer not far way. Some stories have Mary Magdalene bringing the cup of Christ sometimes referred to as the Holy Grail with her at that time. This additional link between Charles, Castel del Monte, “Amadis de Gaula, and Mary Magdalene could be important to understand when considering the truth and mythology of places like Rennes le Chateau.

Henry of Castile is even in part descendant from the family of Frederick II as well as King Henry II of England and interestingly the Palaiologos family who ruled the Latin Kingdom of Greece after the Fourth Crusade. The Latin Kingdom of Greece included the provinces of Achaea and Arcadia which are adjacent to each other. So Henry had a very interesting pedigree that may also link him to the early origins of the Stewart family of Scotland as well. Henry had spent time exiled from Spain in the court of Henry II in England. His life and experiences do reflect that he is the likely author of “Amadis de Gaula.” This background is shared somewhat with the later figure of Philip Sidney who was named such in honor of King Philip II of Spain. It is also interesting that the character of Amadis was from Wales as Sidney’s heritage is also associated with that land.

Castel del Monte is also a very interesting octagonal structure that seems to harken the image of Pamela’s Lodge in “Arcadia” as well as the form of Star Castle on the Isles of Scilly. Castel del Monte was built in the mid thirteenth century by Frederick II as his hunting lodge. Some of the plot elements of “Amadis de Gaula” do seem to use the imagery of some significant events in Frederick II life and deeds. Frederick was noted as having an antagonistic relationship with both the Latin Church and Knights Templar. One incident has Frederick negotiating a peaceful takeover of Jerusalem that left the Dome of the Rock in Muslim hands. This alienated Frederick from the Knights Templar and may presage some of the difficulties that Philip le Bel would later have with the Knights Templar only fifty years or so later. Frederick had an equally contentious relationship to the Latin Church of Rome as well.

Frederick in many ways styled himself as a Byzantine ruler and this may have contributed to his appreciation of the octagonal form of architecture. Frederick II in legend is one of the Holy Roman Emperors who had solved the mystery of Charlemagne’s vault or place of burial which was said to have contained a stash of important documents and relics. These legends of Charlemagne seem to comprise a kind of early Rosicrucian lore. Other Holy Roman Emperors such as Otto and Frederick Barbarossa were also said to have solved the mystery of Charlemagne’s vault. The concept inferred by Charlemagne’s vault is repeated in the story of “Amadis de Gaula” as we will see.

Frederick had even donated the elaborate golden sarcophagus for Charlemagne that can be seen at the octagonal Aachen Cathedral that Charlemagne had built. Both Charlemagne and Frederick II may have appreciated the octagonal form in a veneration of Constantine’s appreciation for this form of architecture which in turn harkened back to the Tower of the Winds of Athens. Frederick was known to have been a highly intelligent and educated king who had even employed famous magi Michael Scot for a period of time. In many ways, the life of Michael Scot presages that of Dr. John Dee displaying the ways as both men filled the same role in different time periods. Frederick II may have even based the design of Castel del Monte on the Dome of the Rock and Aachen Cathedral.

Here we are seeing how “Amadis” and its connections to the octagon of Castel del Monte may have in part inspired Philip Sidney and his description of Pamela’s Lodge in his book “Arcadia” which in turn had inspired the design of Star Castle on the Isles of Scilly.

What is significant to our study here is that “Amadis de Gaula” also contains a story that one can’t help but compare to some of the legends of Charlemagne and in turn the Money Pit at Oak Island. Part of the story involves a strange chambered structure including three inscribed pillars that hides a treasure. This interesting piece of architecture is situated on what is described as “Firm Island” thus invoking a distant similarity to the description of the Money Pit on Oak Island.  The island in this story is also reminiscent of parts of Sir Francis Bacon’s “New Atlantis.” In a metaphorical sense the three pillars that are part of the structure relate to the Masonic value of the three pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty that can be seen on many Masonic tracing boards and aprons. It may be that even the mystery that in legend Charlemagne had left behind included similar pillars.

In an interesting twist a northwesterly azimuth or arc on the globe suggested by the octagonal form of Castel del Monte transects central Europe and extends directly to Oak Island, Nova Scotia. So it is interesting as we draw parallels between “Arcadia” and “Amadis de Gaula” that this geographic association occurs. This association may gain more importance as the Masonic secrets of Amadis de Gaula are revealed. By examining the imagery of the Oak Island Money Pit from this perspective we can see how the story of a buried vault with treasure and relics even applies to the legacy of Charlemagne and Constantine the Great. These elements undoubtedly were not lost on Henry of Castile and later Philip Sidney.

Here we may be seeing how Philip Sidney could have even been inspired to describe Pamela’s Lodge in its octagonal star shaped form by Castel del Monte or even Aachen Cathedral. It was later admirers of Sidney that likely built Star Castle on the Isles of Scilly in this form in veneration of Sidney and his “Arcadia.” This is part of the message that Sidney was relating in a subtle way in his story. He may have understood the importance of these structures including the Dome of the Rock which this author believes was actually inspired by the architecture of Constantine.

This geographic relation is even more amazing when one considers that just as “Arcadia” contains a plot element that is very similar to the original Oak Island story “Amadis de Gaula” also includes a story that is very reminiscent of Oak Island and its hidden treasure. Just as in “Arcadia” the story in Amadis also has some very interesting Masonic overtones. “Amadis” even includes a treasure hidden in a secret chamber guarded by three pillars and an Archway all situated on what is referred to as “Firm Island.” Both the image of three pillars and an Archway are forever linked to the values of Freemasons. At this point we have a treasure vault including a monument situated on an island.

As part of the plot King Apolidon leaves a test for he and she who will rule his former kingdom as he leaves Firm Island to become King of Greece. In order to accomplish this Apolidon leaves a strange monument that includes four central chambers all filled with relics, documents, and golden treasure. Here in a passage from Amadis de Gaula we see a direct reference to the three Masonic Pillars of Strength, Wisdom, and Beauty in relation to a hidden treasure chamber that may provoke images of Oak Island. At each of the three pillars the initiate is presented with a test. He must survive or solve all three in order to enter the central chamber and become King. Also suggested is an inscribed stone within the treasure chamber that had already included the name of the future king prior to anyone even trying to solve this puzzle. It is interesting that both the future King and Queen of Firm Island must both follow this path of initiation to the end in order to rule.
In this passage from “Amadis de Gaula,” the word “Perron” is used to mean an inscribed Pillar:

There was a King in Greece married to the sister of the Emperor of Constantinople, by whom he had two fair sons, especially the elder, named Apolidon, who in his days had no equal for strength of body and courage of heart. He having a subtle genius, which is so seldom found with valour, gave himself to the study of the sciences and of all arts, so that he shone among those of his own time like the Moon among the stars; especially he excelled in necromancy, whereby things that appear impossible are done. The King his father was very rich in treasure, but poor in life, by reason of his great age; and seeing himself at the point of death, he commanded that the kingdom should be given to Apolidon, as his eldest son, and his books and treasures to the other. The younger was not contented with this, and told his father so with tears, and complained that he was disherited; [85]but the old man, not knowing what to do, wrung his hands for pure sorrow. Then that famous Apolidon, seeing his father's grief and the littleness of his brother, bade him take comfort, for he would accept the books and treasure, and relinquish the kingdom to his brother. Whereat the father gave him his blessing with many tears. So Apolidon took his inheritance, and fitted out certain ships, manning them with chosen Knights, and set forth into the sea, trusting himself to Fortune, who seeing his great obedience to his father, and how he had thrown himself upon her mercy, resolved to requite him with glory and greatness. A fair wind carried him to the empire of Rome, where Siudan was then Emperor, at whose court he abode some time, doing great feats in arms, till there grew a true affection between him and the Emperor's sister, Grimanesa, who then flourished among all other women for beauty. So it was that as he was loving, even so was he loved, and as their loves might no other ways be indulged, they left Rome together, and set sail in Apolidon's fleet, and sailed till they came to the Firm Island. There Apolidon landed, not knowing what country it was, and pitched a tent upon the shore, and placed a couch there for his Lady, who was weary of the sea. Presently there came down a fierce Giant, [86]who was Lord of the island, with whom, according to the custom of the place, Apolidon was to do battle for the preservation of his Lady and himself, and his company. It ended in such sort that the Giant lay dead on the field, and Apolidon remained master of the island. When he had seen its strength, he neither feared the Emperor of Rome, whom he had offended, nor all the world besides; and there he and Grimanesa, being greatly beloved by the islanders, whom he had delivered from their oppressor, dwelt in all happiness for sixteen years. During that time many rich edifices were made, as well with his great treasures, as with his surpassing wisdom, such as it would have been difficult for any Emperor or King, how rich soever, to have completed. At the end of that time the Emperor of Greece died without an heir, and the Greeks, knowing the great worth of Apolidon, and that by his mother's side he was of the blood and lineage of the Emperors, elected him with one common consent to rule over them. He, albeit he was enjoying all possible delights in his own island, yet, with Grimanesa's consent, accepted the Empire; but she, before they left the island where she had enjoyed such rare happiness, requested her husband that he would work such a means by his great knowledge, that that island [87]might never be possessed, except by a Knight as excellent in arms and loyal in love as himself, and by a Dame resembling her in beauty and truth.

“Then Apolidon made an arch at the entrance of a garden, wherein there were all kind of trees, and also four rich chambers, but it was so surrounded that none could enter, except by passing under the arch, over which he placed the Image of a man made of copper, holding a trumpet in his mouth as if he would wind it. And in one of the chambers within he placed two figures, in the likeness of himself and his Lady, the countenances and the stature like unto them, so true that they seemed alive, and near them he placed a bright stone of jasper; and, about the distance of half a cross-bow shot, he made a perron (pillar) of iron. Henceforward, said he, no man or woman who hath been false to their first love shall pass here, for yonder Image shall blow from that trumpet so dreadful a blast with smoke and flames of fire, that they shall be stunned and cast out as dead. But if Knight, or Dame, or Damsel come, worthy by virtue of true loyalty to finish this adventure, they shall enter without let, and the Image shall make a sound so sweet that it shall be delightful to hear, and they shall see our images, and behold their own name written in the jasper. Grimanesa afterwards ordered some of her Knights and Ladies to make trial, and then the Image blew the dreadful blast with smoke and flames of fire; whereat Grimanesa laughed, knowing them to be in more dread than danger. But yet, my Lord, quoth she, what shall be done with that rich chamber wherein we have enjoyed such great contentment? He answered, you shall see. Then he made two other perrons, one of stone, the other of copper: the stone one was placed five paces from the chamber, the copper one five paces farther off. Know now, said he, that henceforth in no manner, nor at any time, shall man or woman enter this chamber, till a Knight come who surpasses me in prowess, or a woman exceeding you in beauty; they shall enter. He then placed these words in the copper perron: Knights shall advance here, each according to his valour; and in the stone perron, he wrote: here none shall pass except the Knight who exceeds Apolidon in prowess. And over the door of the chamber he wrote: He who surpasses me in prowess shall enter here, and be Lord of the island. And he laid such a spell, that none could approach within twelve paces of the chamber round about, nor was there any entrance but by the perrons.
Then he appointed a Governor to rule the island, and collect the revenues, which were to be reserved for the Knight who should enter the chamber; and he commanded that all who failed in attempting to pass the Arch of Lovers, should, without ceremony, be cast out of the island; but such as passed through were to be entertained and served with all honour. And farther, he appointed that all Knights who attempted the adventure of the Forbidden Chamber, and did not pass the copper perron, should leave their arms there; but from those who advanced any way beyond it, only their swords should be taken. They who reached to the marble perron should leave only their shields, and if they penetrated beyond that, but failed to enter the chamber, they should lose only their spurs. From the Dames and Damsels who failed, nothing was to be taken, only their names should be placed upon the castle-gate, and an account how far they had advanced. Apolidon then said, when this island shall have another Lord, the enchantment shall be dissolved, and all Knights may freely pass the perrons and enter the chamber; but it shall not be free for women, till the fairest shall have come, and lodged in the rich chamber with the Lord of the island. These enchantments being thus made, Apolidon and his wife entered their ships, and passed over into Greece, where they reigned during their lives, and left children to succeed them.”

Later in the story it is our hero Amadis who is able to penetrate the gauntlet and become King of the Isle of Firm:

“At morning they accompanied the Governor to his castle, which commanded the whole island, for at the entrance there was a neck of land, only a bow-shot over, connected with the main land, all the rest was surrounded by the sea; seven leagues in length it was, and five broad, and because it was all surrounded by the sea, except where that neck of land connected it with the continent, it was called the Firm Island. Having entered, they saw a great palace, the gates whereof were open, and many shields hung upon the wall; about an hundred were in one row, and above them were ten, and above the ten were two, but one of them was in a higher niche than the other. Then Amadis asked why they were thus ranked. The Governor answered, according to the prowess of those who would have entered the Forbidden Chamber; the shields of those who could not enter the perron of copper, are near the ground; the ten above them are of those who reached it; the lowest of the two passed that perron, and the one above all reached to the marble perron, but could pass no farther. Then Amadis approached the shields to see if he knew them, for each had its owner's name inscribed; the one which was the highest of the ten bore a sable lion, with argent teeth and nails, and a bloody mouth, in a field sable: this he knew to be the shield of Arcalaus. Then he beheld the two uppermost; the lower bore, in a field azure, a Knight cutting off the head of a Giant; this was the shield of King Abies of Ireland, who had been there two years before his combat with Amadis: the highest had three golden flowers in a field azure: this he knew not, but he read the inscription, This is the shield of Don Quadragante, brother to King Abies of Ireland. He had proved the adventure twelve days ago, and had reached the marble perron, which was more than any Knight before him had done, and he was now gone to Great Britain to combat Amadis, in revenge for his brother's death. When Amadis saw all these shields, he doubted the adventure much, seeing that such Knights had failed.
They went out from the palace towards the Arch of True Lovers. When they came near, Agrayes alighted and commended himself to God, and cried, Love, if I have been true to thee, remember me! and he past the spell; and, when he came under the arch, the Image blew forth sweet sounds, and he came to the palace, and saw the likeness of Apolidon and Grimanesa, and saw also the jasper-stone, wherein two names were written, and now his own the third. The first said, Madanil, son of the Duke of Burgundy, atchieved this adventure: and the second was, this is the name of Don Bruneo of Bonamar, son to Vallados, Marquis of Troque: and his own said, this is Agrayes, son to King Languines of Scotland. This Madanil loved Guinda, Lady of Flanders. Don Bruneo had proved the enchantment but eight days ago, and she whom he loved was Melicia, daughter to King Perion, the sister of Amadis.
When Agrayes had thus entered, Amadis said to his brethren, will ye prove the adventure? No, said they, we are not so enthralled that we can deserve to accomplish it. Since you are two, then, quoth he, keep one another company, as I, if I can, will do with my cousin Agrayes. Then gave he his horse and arms to Gandalin, and went on without fear, as one who felt that never in deed or in thought had he been faithless to his Lady. When he came under the arch, the Image began a sound far different and more melodious than he had ever before done, and showered down flowers of great fragrance from the mouth of the trumpet, the like of which had never been done before to any Knight who entered. He past on to the Images, and here Agrayes, who apprehended something of his passion, met him and embraced him, and said, Sir, my Cousin, there is no reason that we should henceforth conceal from each other our loves. But Amadis made no reply, but taking his hand, they went to survey the beauties of the garden.
Don Galaor and Florestan, who waited for them without, seeing that they tarried, besought Ysanjo, the Governor, to shew them the Forbidden Chamber, and he led them towards the perrons. Sir brother, said Florestan, what will you do? Nothing, replied Galaor: I have no mind to meddle with enchantments. Then amuse yourself here, quoth Florestan, I will try my fortune. He then commended himself to God, threw his shield before him, and proceeded sword in hand. When he entered the spell, he felt himself attacked on all sides with lances and swords, such blows and so many that it might be thought never man could endure them; yet, for he was strong and of good heart, he ceased not to make his way, striking manfully on all sides, and it felt in his hand as though he were striking armed men, and the sword did not cut. Thus struggling, he passed the copper perron, and advanced as far as the marble one, but there his strength failed him, and he fell like one dead, and was cast out beyond the line of the spell. When Galaor saw this he was displeased, and said, however little I like these things, I must take my share in the danger! and bidding the Squires and the Dwarf to stay by Florestan, and throw cold water in his face, he took his arms and commended himself to God, and advanced towards the Forbidden Chamber. Immediately the unseen blows fell upon him, but he went on, and forced his way up to the marble perron, and there he stood; but, when he advanced another step beyond, the blows came on him so heavy a load, that he fell senseless, and was cast out like Florestan.
Amadis and Agrayes were reading the new inscription in the jasper, This is Amadis of Gaul, the true lover, son to King Perion,—when Ardian the Dwarf came up to the line, and cried out, Help! help, Sir Amadis, your brothers are slain! They hastened out to him, and asked how it was.—Sir, they attempted the Forbidden Chamber, and did not atchieve it, and there they lie for dead! Immediately they rode towards them, and found them so handled as you have heard, albeit some little recovering. Then Agrayes, who was stout of heart, alighted and went on as fast as he could to the Forbidden Chamber, striking aright and aleft with his sword, but his strength did not suffice to bear the blows, he fell senseless between the perrons, and was cast out as his cousins had been. Then Amadis began to curse their journey thither, and said to Galaor, who was now revived, Brother, I must not excuse my body from the danger which yours have undergone. Galaor would have withheld him, but he took his arms, and went on, praying God to help him. When he came to the line of the spell, there he paused for a moment, and said, O Oriana, my Lady, from you proceeds all my strength and courage! remember me now at this time, when your dear remembrance is so needful to me! Then he went on. The blows fell thick upon him and hard till he reached the marble perron, but then they came so fast as if all the Knights in the world were besetting him, and such an uproar of voices arose as if the whole world were perishing, and he heard it said, if this Knight should fail, there is not one in the world who can enter. But he ceased not to proceed, winning his way hardly, sometimes beaten down upon his hands, sometimes falling upon his knees; his sword fell from his hand, and, though it hung by a thong from the wrist, he could not recover it, yet holding on still he reached the door of the chamber, and a hand came forth and took him by the hand to draw him in, and he heard a voice which said, Welcome is the Knight who shall be Lord here, because he passeth in prowess him who made the enchantment, and who had no peer in his time. The hand that led him was large, and hard, like the hand of an old man, and the arm was sleeved with green sattin. As soon as he was within the chamber it let go his hold, and was seen no more, and Amadis remained fresh, and with all his strength recovered; he took the shield from his neck and the helmet from his head, and sheathed his sword, and gave thanks to his Lady Oriana for this honour, which for her sake he had won. At this time they of the castle who had heard the voices resign the lordship, and seen Amadis enter, began to cry out, God be praised, we see accomplished what we have so long desired. When his brethren saw that he had atchieved that wherein they had failed, they were exceedingly joyful, because of the great love they bore him, and desired that they might be carried to the chamber; and there the Governor with all his train went to Amadis, and kissed his hand as their Lord. Then saw they the wonders which were in the chamber, the works of art and the treasures, such that they were amazed to see them. Yet all this was nothing to the chamber of Apolidon and Grimanesa, for that was such, that not only could no one make the like, but no one could even imagine how it could be made; it was so devised, that they who were within could clearly see what was doing without, but from without nothing could be seen within. There they remained some time with great pleasure; the Knights, because one of their lineage was found to exceed in worth all living men, and all who for a hundred years had lived: the islanders, because they trusted to be well ruled and made happy under such a Lord, and even to master other lands. Sir, quoth Ysanjo, it is time to take food and rest for to-day: to-morrow, the good men of the land will come and do homage to you. So that day they feasted in the palace, and the following day all the people assembled and did homage to Amadis as their Lord, with great solemnities and feasting and rejoicing.”

Though not precisely the story of the Money Pit we may see how the above story could have inspired Philip Sidney in some of the plot elements of “Arcadia.” Coupled with this the story also may resemble the mysteries of Charlemagne as solved by Frederick II who built the structure in which “Amadis de Gaula” may have been written by Henry of Castile. The parallels are interesting leaving one left to wonder just how arranged or planned this may have all been. Amadis in fact from some perspectives may apply to many lost treasure stories that include the presence of a treasure vault in turn also supplying us with the imagery of Enoch, The Royal Arch, and the pillars of Wisdom, Strength, and Beauty. All inferred in the pages of “Amadis de Gaula” a literary work that seems to have inspired many later writers including Sidney, Bacon, and even Shakespeare.

Is it possible that “Amadis de Gaula” had really been telling us elements of the mysteries that had been left behind by Charlemagne who may have been inspired by Constantine and subsequent Byzantine rulers such as Justinian I who also built octagonal structures like Basilica San Vitale in Ravenna? While the story does not solely venerate this concept, it is clear that this idea is part of the plot of both “Arcadia” and “Amadis de Gaula.” It is notable that both works include stories that may also apply to the lore of Oak Island, Nova Scotia.

In fact if one does read Amadis many references to other lost treasure or relics stories also seem to be exposed. It is interesting how a treasure search can lead one to appreciate relatively forgotten pieces of literature and the way they had affected history during the eras in which they were created.  As in the arts of painting and architecture it seems that literature had also played a role in communicating hidden concepts in metaphor and allegory suggesting Masonic concepts long before the advent of Freemasonry as we know it today. Recent developments in the Oak Island treasure hunt are beginning to resemble some of the overtones of Charlemagne’s path of initiation. Perhaps a great store of lost relics and documents are stored in the Money Pit and all of these older stories are meant in part to lead us there.

This then leads us again to explaining how and why Castel de Monte “points to” Oak Island Nova Scotia. Does this suggest that Frederick II had intentionally arranged this because he left something at Oak Island during the thirteenth century in which he ruled as Holy Roman Emperor and King of Naples and Sicily? Perhaps it is his work that created all the “Templar” theories with regard to Oak Island? Possibly.

Frederick II was in many ways and enemy of the Knights Templar who were said to have not valued him very much as well. Frederick had many disputes with the Latin Church during this time period when the Knights Templar were closely aligned with the Church as they had always been. Frederick was more aligned with the Teutonic Knights and had supported them in many ways. So if Frederick was involved in stashing something at Oak Island that would effectively cross the Knights Templar off the list of who was involved at that time.

It is more likely that if someone later knew of the geographic relationship of Castel del Monte to Oak Island that they then could have used this imagery along with the treasure vault story in “Amadis de Gaula” to infer that a similar vault was at Oak Island. Given this it is perplexing that both Frederick II and his magi Michael Scot were noted as having the exact skills needed in geodesy during that period to have made these geographic assumptions. In fact they may have been among the few in the world at that time that could have accomplished this. In the end most of the evidence points to how the Money Pit was likely put there at a much later date than the mid to late fourteenth century.

One factor that may either back up the involvement of Frederick or debunk it is the presence of a folklore more similar to the original Oak Island story being present in Sidney’s work from over two hundred years later than the penning of “Amadis.” Still it is an incredible coincidence that “Amadis de Gaula” may have been penned at Castel de Monte including a story that inspired the one in “Arcadia” while at the same time the structure has a form that infers the measurement of time and space while actually extending an arc on the globe based on its plan to Oak Island, Nova Scotia. 

Castel del Monte the octagon of Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. This is likely the location where "Amadis de Gaula" was written. Frederick II "Magi" Michael Scot penned a text on spherical geometry in the thirteenth century.