The "Black Legend" says the Spanish Inquisition burned millions of people, targeted Jews and witches, and used iron maidens to crush bones.
In the 20th century, the Vatican opened the archives. Historians (many non-Catholic) crunched the numbers.
The Numbers
The Spanish Inquisition lasted for 350 years (1478–1834).
- Total trials: ~125,000 (roughly).
- Total executions: ~3,000 - 5,000. That averages to about 10-15 people per year. Contrast that with the French Revolution (40,000 killed in one year) or the witch trials in Protestant Germany (25,000 killed).
It Was a State Court
The Inquisition was established by the King and Queen of Spain (Ferdinand and Isabella), not the Pope. In fact, the Pope often tried to intervene to stop the King's harshness.
Myths Busted
- Witch Burning: The Inquisition generally didn't believe in witches. When a town complained about a witch, the Inquisitors usually sent a doctor to treat her for mental illness.
- Torture: It was used (as it was in every civil court in Europe), but with strict rules: no bloodshed, no permanent damage, and only for 15 minutes. It was used in less than 2% of cases. In fact, secular prisoners would blaspheme just so they could be transferred to the Inquisition prisons, because they had better food and beds.
Why Did It Exist?
It was designed to find "false converts" (people pretending to be Catholic to infiltrate the government/society) after the Reconquista. It was a national security measure, not just religious.
History is nuanced. Don't believe the Hollywood version. Learn more on the MyPrayerTower app.