History
What is The Spanish Inquisition?
The Spanish Inquisition was a powerful religious court established in 1478 to enforce Catholic orthodoxy in Spain. It investigated, tried, and punished suspected heretics — including converted Jews and Muslims — and became infamous for its harshness and secrecy.
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Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains the spanish inquisition.
Key things to understand
- 1A Catholic court founded in Spain in 1478.
- 2It enforced religious orthodoxy and rooted out heresy.
- 3It targeted converts suspected of secretly keeping old faiths.
- 4It became notorious for harsh methods and lasted centuries.
Frequently asked questions
- What was the Spanish Inquisition?
- A religious court set up in 1478 to enforce Catholic orthodoxy and punish suspected heretics in Spain.
- Who did the Spanish Inquisition target?
- Mainly converts from Judaism and Islam suspected of secretly practicing their former faiths, and other 'heretics'.
- When did the Spanish Inquisition end?
- It was finally abolished in 1834, after more than three centuries.