Abstract
The article discusses possible influence or points of contact between G. Gemistos Plethon and Nicholas of Cusa.
Although these two major 15th century Platonists almost certainly met and knew one of other, there is in fact little they had in common. However, a useful comparison can be made between their two particular conceptions of ancient wisdom represented by Zoroaster and Orpheus or Hermes Trismegistus and Sibyls, respectively.
It seems that both authors drew upon different traditions invoking the ancient sages, namely the Neoplatonic and early Christian one, which were subsequently systematized by Marsilio Ficino. At the same time these different approaches represent also different conceptions of development of human thought - either static and omnipresent philosophia perennis or prisca theologia evolving and deepening in time.