Count Cagliostro

Forger, healer, Grand Copht of Egyptian Masonry — or the same immortal, wearing a louder coat.

Count Cagliostro (Giuseppe Balsamo, 1743-1795): forger, healer, and founder of 'Egyptian Rite' Freemasonry who worked every court in Europe — swept up in the Diamond Necklace Affair (1785-86) that helped delegitimize Marie Antoinette (acquitted, but Bastilled), finally sentenced by the Roman Inquisition for Freemasonry and dying in the fortress of San Leo. Documented: trial records on both ends of his career. The template of the occult adventurer as geopolitical actor — and proof the Inquisition took secret societies seriously enough to jail one to death.