सती आणि witch hunt

The European witch hunt was a dark period in history, roughly spanning from the 15th to 18th centuries, where thousands were accused of witchcraft and persecuted. Here's a breakdown:

What sparked the witch hunts?

The publication of "Malleus Maleficarum" in 1487, which argued that witches were deliberate enemies of God, played a significant role. The book offered legal instructions for identifying, interrogating, and executing witches, fueling the hysteria.

Who were the targets?

Women, especially those living outside traditional roles, were primary targets. About three-quarters of victims were women, often widows, healers, or midwives, seen as suspicious or rebellious. The torture and trials Torture was commonly used to extract confessions, leading to more accusations and executions. Courts relied on physical torment, producing false confessions and fueling the hysteria.

The aftermath

An estimated 35,000 to 60,000 people were executed, with some estimates going as high as 100,000. The witch hunts eventually subsided as scientific thought and reason began to challenge superstition.

Notable examples

The bishoprics of Würzburg and Bamberg saw thousands arrested and executed in the 1620s and 1630s. Scotland had one of the highest execution rates per capita. Spain's Inquisition was surprisingly restrained, dismissing many accusations.

Sources:
https://www.thecollector.com/european-witch-hunting/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_trials_in_the_early_modern_period
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch_hunt

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