Würzburg Witch Trials of 1625-1631

Front

What were the Würzburg witch trials of 1625-1631 known for?

Back

One of the biggest mass trials and mass executions ever seen in Europe

Front

How many men, women, and children in the city of Würzburg are confirmed to have been executed during the witch trials?

Back

1200

Front

The witchcraft persecutions in Würzburg were initiated by the Reform Catholic and Counter-Reformation Catholic Prince Bishop _________

Back

Julius Echter von Mespelbrunn

Front

What event in 1626 led to suspicions of sorcery and subsequent witch trials?

Back

The vine grape harvest was destroyed by the frost.

Front

Who was the Prince Bishop of Würzburg who initiated the second phase of witch trials in 1623-1631?

Back

Philipp Adolf von Ehrenberg

Front

Which practice ensured the number of arrests and executions expanded rapidly during the Würzburg witch trials?

Back

The accused were forced to confess and name new accomplices, leading to more arrests and executions.

Front

Who were among those arrested during the Würzburg witch trials?

Back

Men, women, and children of all ages and classes

Front

How many priests were executed during the Würzburg witch trials, according to the passage?

Back

Forty-three priests were executed.

Front

What was a common reason for people to be arrested during the witch trials, as described in the 1629 letter?

Back

People were arrested for reasons ranging from murder and satanism to simply being vagrants or unable to give a satisfactory explanation of why they were passing through town.

Front

How many executions within the city of Würzburg itself were estimated by the end of the trials?

Back

219 executions within the city itself.