Spanish Inquisition
1478-1834 AD
📂 INQUISITION
📖 About This Event
The Spanish Inquisition was established in 1478 by Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, with the approval of Pope Sixtus IV. Unlike the medieval Papal Inquisition, which was controlled by the Church, the Spanish Inquisition was controlled by the Spanish crown. Its primary target was not heresy within Christianity but 'New Christians' (conversos)—Jews who had converted to Christianity but were suspected of secretly practicing Judaism.
The Spanish Inquisition was notorious for its use of torture, public auto-da-fé (acts of faith), and the burning of heretics at the stake. However, historian Henry Kamen's research has shown that the death rate was actually lower than many contemporary secular courts—approximately 3,000-5,000 executions over 350 years, or about 1-2% of cases. The majority of punishments were fines, penances, and imprisonment.
The Inquisition was also responsible for the expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492 and the expulsion of the Moriscos (Muslim converts) in 1609-1614. It was finally abolished in 1834 during the liberal reforms of Spain. Key Sources: Henry Kamen, The Spanish Inquisition: A Historical Revision; Edward Peters, Inquisition; Gustavo Perez de Braden, The Spanish Inquisition: A History
📜 Key Facts
Date
1478-1834 AD
Category
Inquisition
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