How Peter of Ravenna Memorized Thousands of Facts

Welcome to the world of Peter of Ravenna, the legendary jurist who shared how he memorized thousands of facts in his book, The Phoenix.

More than just absorb legal facts, Ravenna spoke several languages.

And he could recite long passages of scripture from memory.

Until recently, The Phoenix was hard to get in English.

But today, you’ll discover the best secrets of this short, but powerful memory training pamphlet.

Originally published in Latin in 1491, its full title is Phoenix seu artificiosa memoria.

I believe Ravenna used the word “phoenix” to express two concepts at once:

• Using memory techniques burns away forgetting
• Using them well makes your recall abilities burn with intensity as bright as the sun

How did the text work?

And who was Peter of Ravenna?

Let’s find out!

Peter of Ravenna: The Medieval Legal Scholar
Who Memorized Thousands of Facts

Unfortunately, we don’t know a lot about this incredible author of one of the most famous Memory Palace books to ever exist.

He received his doctorate in canonical and civil law in 1472. Then he moved to Germany in 1497.

Eventually he became a professor at the University of Cologne where he wound up in a bit of controversy.

Not much more can be said about his life, other than that he wound up in Mainz where he died in 1508.

I suppose we can add that in The Art of Memory, Frances Yates lightly complains that he was a self-promoter.

That’s a bit strange given her fascination with Giordano Bruno. Bruno also spoke highly of himself, and in fact echoes some of Ravenna’s key ideas and core memory techniques.

Some of Ravenna’s self-congratulatory tone might have rubbed off on Bruno too.

What Makes The Phoenix Such A Great Memory Improvement Book

There’s a lot to say about the mnemonic strategies Ravenna outlines in The Phoenix.

If you know Latin, you can check out this version from the Institute de France. The University of Michigan also has a version.

For your convenience, here are the major points I pick up from it as a practicing mnemonist.

One: Multi-sensory Mnemonics

Ravenna was an absolute master of making sure his mnemonic imagery was as strong as possible.

To do this, he talks a lot about using physical sensations.

For example, to make a Memory Palace stronger, touch the actual wall. Or at least choose a location for your Memory Palaces where you can imagine being able to touch the walls.

Likewise, when using linking or the story method, take a second to have your mnemonic associations touch in exaggerated ways.

Ravenna is big on using verboten images as well. Nelson Dellis, now a six-time USA Memory Champion, have talked a lot about using sexuality while memorizing.

Long-story short, Ravenna had no problem about using this kind of mental imagery. In fact, he highly recommends it.

If you deal with aphantasia, I think you’ll find his recommendations for utilizing touch especially useful.

Two: The Personalization Principle

Ravenna says that he had more than 100,000 “places.” This was his word for what many of us call loci or “Magnetic Stations.”

His number one suggestion is to use highly familiar locations.

You can certainly invent virtual Memory Palaces, but the work usually isn’t worth it.

Instead, choose locations that have windows. He seems especially fond of using windows, and it makes sense.

They’re typically evenly distributed and easy to remember.

The key point is that they are personal to you. You’ve seen them with your own eyes.

Another point here is that you choose places that are fit for purpose. If you’re memorizing scripture, for example, using your church makes it more personal.

Your milage may vary with these suggestions. But they’re worth experimenting with in your own practice with mnemonics.

Three: Always Use the Alphabet

Like most mnemonists, Ravenna talks about using the alphabet to form what we currently call mnemonic pegwords.

The basic idea is that you have an association for each letter from A-Z.

This approach has been common since at least Aristotle talked about it in De Memoria:

What makes Ravenna’s approach stronger involves how he approaches the syllables, consonants and vowels of words.

His patterns are a bit difficult to understand.

That’s what I created some exercises for you in Phoenix Reborn, a completely new version of Ravenna’s work.

In brief, when memorizing vocabulary, he suggests that you choose the final consonant at the end of a syllable. Use that letter to choose your pegword association, ideally a person with whom you’re familiar.

For example, if the word you need to memorize is “fabric,” you wouldn’t use a figure for F. Instead, you would use “b” because that letter is the final consonant.

I know this sounds like madness, but if you study his guide in full and start practicing this approach, I’m confident you’ll soon understand how and why this approach is useful.

If nothing else, it will give you some great brain exercise.

About My New Edition, Phoenix Reborn

Ravenna believed that everyone can master their memory. I do too, but it’s such a struggle to find a readable edition of The Phoenix.

That’s why I created a new version of this classic text.

Not only that, but I’ve added a full commentary that will help you make your memory as legendary as Ravenna’s.

I’ve also included a series of exercises that help you put his various suggestions into practice.

As with other memory masters like Thomas Aquinas, St. Augustine and Matteo Ricci, Peter of Ravenna shares themes common to all of the ancient memory techniques.

You need to take consistent action.

Believe in yourself.

And above all, apply the techniques to information that matters.

In this case, we’re talking about becoming a polymath like he was.

To do that, study multiple languages.

Spend time learning music.

Develop and follow learning cycles in a strategic manner.

And above all, relax.

Ravenna’s voice in the book is humous, light and fun.

It can be hard not to take things so seriously when using memory techniques. The stakes are high if you’re trying to pass exams or need to learn a language in a hurry.

But you can’t force.

You need to use power over force each and every step of the way.

And that’s just one more reason why Ravenna’s choice to use the image of a phoenix is so profound. It really is all about surrendering to what works and showing up to study in cycles.

If you need more help, grab my free memory improvement course:

It comes with four video tutorials and three worksheets that extend Ravenna’s teachings and modernize them for the contemporary learner.

So what do you say?

Are you ready to ignite your passion for learning?

Get into Ravenna’s stuff and soon your memory skills will soar like a phoenix, burning bright for all to see.