The Spanish Inquisition: Religious Persecution
The Spanish Inquisition, initiated in 1478 by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, was a religious tribunal aimed at maintaining Catholic orthodoxy in their kingdom. It targeted Jews, Muslims, and later Protestants, and used methods such as torture and execution to root out heresy.
The Inquisition’s long-lasting effects on Spanish society and its legacy of religious persecution are still a subject of debate. Explore the history of the Spanish Inquisition in this word search puzzle.
Did You Know?
- The Spanish Inquisition initially targeted converted Jews and Muslims suspected of secretly practicing their former religions.
- It is estimated that over 30,000 people were executed by the Inquisition, though estimates vary.
- The Spanish Inquisition was formalized by the Catholic Monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, and later became a tool of the Spanish Empire.
- The Inquisition lasted over 350 years, finally being abolished in the 19th century during the Napoleonic Wars.