Historical Events tagged with "inquisition"

Turns out history loves a label—battles, breakthroughs, and the occasional disaster, all neatly tagged for your browsing pleasure. Because sometimes you just need every weird invention in one place.

Politics & Government

Spanish Inquisition Officially Disbanded

July 15th, 1834 190 years ago

The Spanish Crown officially disbanded the Inquisition, an institution created to maintain Catholic orthodoxy in Spain. The abolition was part of broader liberal reforms in Spain following the Peninsular War. The last Inquisition court convened shortly before this decision, marking the end of a controversial period of religious persecution that lasted for nearly 356 years. This action was largely driven by the desire for modernization and a move towards civil rights.

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Science & Technology

Galileo Galilei Recants Heliocentric Theory

June 22nd, 1633 391 years ago

Galileo Galilei was compelled by the Holy Office in Rome to recant his heliocentric views, asserting that the Sun is at the center of the universe rather than the Earth. This occurred after considerable controversy stemming from his support of Copernican theory, which contradicted the established geocentric model endorsed by the Church. Galileo's trial highlighted the tensions between science and religious doctrine.

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Politics & Government

Expulsion of the Moriscos from Valencia

April 4th, 1609 415 years ago

The Moriscos, a group of Muslim converts to Christianity in Spain, were expelled from the Kingdom of Valencia, marking a significant moment in the Spanish Inquisition's efforts to homogenize the population. The Alaclazado de la Vida Digna policy was enacted to enforce Catholic uniformity, leading to the expulsion of approximately 300,000 Moriscos between 1609 and 1614. This operation took place as part of a broader movement to eradicate perceived threats to Catholicism in Spain.

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Religion & Philosophy

Giordano Bruno Executed for Heresy in Rome

February 17th, 1600 425 years ago

Giordano Bruno, a philosopher and cosmological theorist, was executed for heresy at Campo de' Fiori in Rome. He was a proponent of heliocentrism and the multiplicity of worlds. To silence him during his execution, authorities placed a wooden vise on his tongue. His ideas were controversial and challenged the enduring doctrines of the Catholic Church, leading to significant implications for science and philosophy.

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Politics & Government

Dutch Noblemen Demand Compromise from Margaret of Parma

April 5th, 1566 458 years ago

Two hundred Dutch noblemen, led by Hendrick van Brederode, force themselves into the presence of Margaret of Parma, the regent of the Spanish Netherlands. They present the Petition of Compromise, an appeal against the abuses of the Spanish Inquisition in the Seventeen Provinces. This act signifies a pivotal moment of resistance against Spanish rule, highlighting the growing discontent among the local nobility regarding religious persecution and the oppressive policies imposed by the Spanish Crown.

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Religion & Philosophy

Arrest of Bartolomé Carranza for Heresy

August 22nd, 1559 465 years ago

Bartolomé Carranza, an influential Spanish archbishop, was arrested for heresy by the Inquisition in 1559. He was accused of holding Protestant sympathies and questioned regarding his theological positions. Carranza's arrest took place in Valladolid, Spain, amid a rising tide of religious scrutiny during the Counter-Reformation. His imprisonment highlighted the contentious nature of theological debates in this era and the fierce opposition to perceived heretical views.

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Religion & Philosophy

First Lutheran Martyrs Executed in Brussels

July 1st, 1523 501 years ago

Jan van Essen and Hendrik Vos were executed by burning at the stake in Brussels as a result of their Lutheran beliefs. They were both condemned by Roman Catholic authorities for their reformation ideas. The execution highlights the tensions between emerging Protestant movements and the established Catholic Church during the Reformation. Their deaths marked a pivotal moment for Lutheranism in the Low Countries, showcasing the risks faced by reformers.

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Religion & Philosophy

Public Execution at the Brasero de la Dehesa

November 16th, 1491 533 years ago

In the Brasero de la Dehesa, outside of Ávila, a public auto-da-fé marks the conclusion of the Holy Child of La Guardia case. This event leads to the execution of several Jewish and converso suspects accused of crimes against the Christian community. The ceremony draws a large crowd, reflecting the intense atmosphere surrounding religious and ethnic tensions in Spain during this period.

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Religion & Philosophy

Papal Bull Summis desiderantes affectibus Issued

December 5th, 1484 540 years ago

Pope Innocent VIII issued the papal bull Summis desiderantes affectibus, appointing Heinrich Kramer and Jacob Sprenger as inquisitors in Germany. This document authorized them to pursue and combat witchcraft, which was considered a significant threat to the church and society. The bull underscored the growing concerns about heresy during this period. It not only marked a pivotal moment in the history of witch hunts but also established a formal mechanism for the church to intervene in secular matters related to alleged witchcraft.

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