Developments in the persecution of witches 1484-1700

Question 1

When were witch hunts at their peak in Europe?

Answer 1

Between 1560-1660

Question 2

Why did witch hunting peak in this period?

Answer 2

• Witchcraft viewed as heresy
• Believed that witches had made a pact with the devil

Question 3

What groups were seen as threat to the Christian church?

Answer 3

Cathards and Lollards

Question 4

What did Pope John order to persecute witchcraft as a form a
of heresy?

Answer 4

The Inquisition

Question 5

What had witches been persecuted before for?

Answer 5

Harm by magic/maleficium

Question 6

What were witches now believed to do?

Answer 6

• Hold large meetings to worship the devil
• Child sacrifice
• Sex with the devil and his imps
• Flying

Question 7

What did Pope Innocent VIII issue and what did it state?

Answer 7

Papal bull, Witchcraft was an exceptional crime and legal limits on torture could be removed to obtain evidence

Question 8

When was Malleus Maleficarum published?

Answer 8

1487

Question 9

Who wrote Malleus Maleficarum?

Answer 9

Heinrich Kramer

Question 10

What book did James I write?

Answer 10

Daemonologie

Question 11

What was MM about and what was the impact?

Answer 11

Women committing terrible crimes, increase in persecutions

Question 12

What was diabolism?

Answer 12

Worship of the devil

Question 13

What two activities became associated with witchcraft?

Answer 13

Malificium and diabolism