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0 A thread on “WITCH HUNTING”
“Witch-hunt” means an investigation that is usually conducted with much publicity, supposedly to uncover subversive activity, disloyalty. with purpose of intimidating opponents
[New Dictionary of the American Language]
1/13
“Witch” word probably first used is in Hebrew Bible in 28th Chapter of the first book of Samuel (written~931BC-721BC).
It mentions Saul consulted “the Witch of Endor” to summon ‘prophet’ in order to receive advice against the Philistines in battle
2/12
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=1+Samuel+28&version=NET#en-NET-7946 …
In Antiquity, Witch craft execution was first noted in Athens before 338AD for alledged casting incantations(series of words)
3/12
Next earliest reference to “Witch” can be found as belief by St. Boniface (680-755AD) followed by condemnation from Pope Nicholas I (died 867) and Gregory VII(died 1085). Apparently this EVIL existed since 700 AD.
4/12
src: The Literature of Witchcraft
The charges of Sorcery usually employed to checked learned man going to far Physician Arnold (1240-1312) & Peter of Abano (1250-1320). It was tool to check politically dangerous people. Churches assisted civil power to crusade against ‘Witch’
5/12
src:The Literature of Witchcraft
In 1374, Pope Gregory XI declared that all magic was done with the aid of demons and thus was open to prosecution for heresy.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/witchcraft/The-witch-hunts#:~:text=In%201374%20Pope%20Gregory%20XI,according%20to%20time%20and%20place ….
Enough fuel generated in last 700 years, ‘Witch Hunting’ became more prevalent in Europe and America during 1450-1750 AD.
6/12
In 1484, ‘Pope Innocent VIII’ (head of the Catholic Church) issued the ‘papal bull’ known as Summis desiderantes on 5/12/1484), authorizing “correcting, imprisoning, punishing and chastising” of devil-worshippers
@TIinExile
7/12
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Innocent-VIII …
In 1487, German Inquisitors Heinrich Kramer & Jakob Sprenger published a handbook of trial Malleus maleficarum(The Hammer of Witches) after obtaining ratification from Pope (7/n)
The book was highest seller in Europe.
http://www.historyofinformation.com/detail.php?id=1660 …
http://www.malleusmaleficarum.org/
8/12
Witch hunting was so rampant in Germany and Europe that estimated 40,000-100,000 executions happened during 1450-1750 (~85% woman).
They were executed mostly by burning, beheading, after torture in dungeon condition.
9/12
[source:Witchcraze: Anne],[ http://Britannica.com ]
Cases, O/S EU
England: 100s of women were wrongly accused and punished. owing to 3rd nipple, an unusual scar etc.
Confessions were often made under torture, and suspects were tied up and thrown into a river or pond. Floating was proof of guilt.
10/13
https://www.bl.uk/learning/timeline/item107868.html …
America: Alse Young was first executed under charge of Witchcrafting in colonial America’s in 1647.
By 1662, a total of 11 people, 9 women and 2 men, were executed. The men were the husbands of the convicted women.
11/13
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/26/nyregion/
connecticut-witchcraft-trials.html …
Switzerland : Between 1423 and 1666, the small town of Sursee in central Switzerland hosted 59 witchcraft trials. Most defendants were found guilty, beheaded or burnt at the stake.
https://www.swissinfo.ch/eng/witches-exhibition-casts-a-spell/662146 …
12/13
This Evil and gruesome practice has been largely banned around the world.
People need to be educated and counseled if it still exists anywhere in the world.
