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As the root word indicates, inquisitors actively sought out
suspects. The inquisitors were accountable only to the pope and
authorized to impose penalties on suspects and to obtain
confessions, often by means of torture.
Church and state endorsed the Inquisition because it brought
financial gain and increased power and influence. The Inquisition
was one of the greatest violations of human rights in history.
THE
THREE MAJOR INQUISITIONS WERE:
Medieval Inquisition
(1184 - 15th century)
Spanish Inquisition
(1478 - 1834)
Roman Inquisition
(1542 - 1908)
WHERE
The Medieval Inquisition took place mainly in northern Italy and
southern France. The Spanish Inquisition and the Roman Inquisition
were for the most part set in Germany, France, Spain, Switzerland
and Italy. Then it spread to their colonies.
VICTIMS
Figures differ widely. The average estimate is that 100,000 people
were executed by the Inquisition.
IMPACT ON
HUMANKIND
For centuries the church made it impossible for individuals to read
the Bible. Even today, many Catholics are trying to come to terms
with the Church's role in the Inquisition.
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